Morehead State celebrates newest graduates at Spring 2024 Commencement
Morehead State University honored approximately 700 graduates at ceremonies on May 11.
MSU recognized these students' academic accomplishments in front of family, friends, loved ones, faculty, staff, students and MSU alumni. MSU President Dr. Jay Morgan conferred the degrees and offered congratulations.
The two ceremonies honored graduates of the Caudill College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, the Elmer R. Smith College of Business & Technology, the College of Science & Engineering, and the Ernst & Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education.
The ceremonies included the commissioning of ROTC officers:
- Ashanti Banks - Hopkinsville, KY
- Gabriel Barcus - Kitts Hill, OH
- Joseph "Jack" Leith - Ironton, OH
- Samantha Munchback - Hanson, KY
- William Orton - Centerville, TN
During the afternoon ceremony, MSU gave special recognition to Georgianne Cooper, a Frenchburg graduate majoring in University Studies, and Joe Wilson, from Asher, who also majored in University Studies. They are both over 65 and earning their degrees.
Joseph "Jack" Leith (Class of 2024) of Ironton, Ohio, was the commencement speaker for the College of Science & Engineering during the morning commencement ceremony. Leith was a battalion commander at MSU ROTC. In May 2023, he earned the Superior Cadet Award, recognizing the top cadet in the ROTC program, and the Distinguished Military Graduate Award in December 2023, a national award given to the military's top university seniors. Leith plans to become a doctor and continue his family's legacy in the medical field.
"As wonderful as this area is, what truly made it special is the people I've enjoyed it with. Since starting here, I've found mentors who have guided me, I've been paired with lab partners who have carried me through classes, and I've listened to professors who have opened my eyes to fascinating new worlds," Leith said. “Each semester, I'd meet more of you, and I was always so impressed with the caliber of people that Morehead brings together. You are the reason that I love Morehead State University."
During the afternoon commencement ceremony, Hannah Curreri (Class of 2024) of Winchester was the commencement speaker for the Elmer R. Smith College of Business & Technology. Curreri has been an MSU Women's Golf Team member since August 2020 and is utilizing her eligibility to play golf for a fifth year next year. She was named to the OVC Commissioner's Honor Roll during the 2021-22 season and the 2022-23 season, and she earned the inaugural OVC Community Service Award and the OVC Medal of Honor. Curreri was also named to the inaugural Presidential Community Engaged Eagles list, recognizing students participating in service projects with community partners. She is working on earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Morehead State in May 2025.
"We should always embrace our individuality and our passions, knowing that it is our unique perspectives that will allow us to make a meaningful impact on the world. Morehead State has provided us countless opportunities to embrace our personal traits," Curreri said. "You're capable of anything you set your mind to, and as you walk across this stage, remember to embrace the challenge of staying true to yourself, even in the face of adversity, and never lose sight of the unique gifts that each of us brings to the world."
