Arts and Sciences | Business and Industry | Events | Featured | First Generation | Health Education and Human Sciences | StudentsDecember 14, 2024

UAFS Celebrates Graduates

Written By: Ian Silvester

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith celebrated the 111^th commencement on Saturday, honoring graduates from each of its three colleges.

Graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences began the day to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” followed by the colleges of Business and Industry and Health, Education, and Human Sciences. Jerry Glidewell (’76), chair of the UAFS Board of Visitors, shared words of wisdom during his commencement speeches.

“You have displayed commitment, strength, and perseverance while reaching this milestone,” Glidewell said.

Glidewell, his wife, and their two children all attended UAFS. After leaving UAFS, then Westark Community College, Glidewell attended the University of the Ozarks, however, Fort Smith was still home. He recently retired after serving as the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club CEO for 32 years – many former club members were in attendance as graduates and in the audience.

Saturday’s graduation ceremonies highlighted the success of UAFS students as they embark on their careers or return to the classroom. Each ceremony recognized first-generation students, who made up nearly half of all fall graduates across the three colleges.

Glidewell shared three pieces of advice before each graduate moved forward in their plans.

“First, invest in yourself. Be a lifelong learner. Second, be flexible. Don’t get above your highs, and don’t get below your lows. Third, embrace your journey. You may have to take a few steps sideways before moving forward,” he said.

His message and the day were incredibly impactful for Daniella Morales Hernandez, a College of Arts and Sciences graduate. She accepted her bachelor’s degree in Spanish Interpretation with a minor in teaching English as a second language. As a first-generation and non-traditional student, Hernandez credited UAFS for believing in herself and proving that anything is possible.

“UAFS helped me break out of my shell. If you had told me when I first came here that I’d have this many cords and stoles, have all these amazing friends, and be super involved, I wouldn’t believe it,” she shared. “It’s very emotional because out of my mom and dad’s sides of the family, we’re the only ones who have the privilege to be here in the U.S. This is definitely showing my family back in Mexico what all is possible here.”

Saturday’s graduation culminated years of work by students. For College of Business and Industry graduate Rachel Beaumont, Saturday also marked her birthday. She was a full-time online student who earned her bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. Beaumont said that the decision was worth it despite some challenges to being fully online.

“It’s been a good experience. I like to multitask, so I could do other things,” Beaumont explained how studying online allowed her to move to Knoxville, Tennessee, where she works at Covenant Health, a hospital. “By being online, you get a lot of other things done, but you still have communication with your professors.”

For Alexis Hardin, a nursing graduate from the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences, Saturday’s ceremony was a time to reflect on her three and a half years as a college student.

Despite graduating earlier than some of her peers, Hardin fit a lot in while at UAFS. She was a sister in the Delta Gamma sorority, served on the Cub Camp D-Staff, and was a Myles Friedman International Honors Program student.

“These experiences helped me appreciate everything I could see and do during my time (at UAFS). … They also helped me form my leadership and communication skills,” Hardin said.

Hardin will start working at Mercy Hospital in the mother-baby unit in January. She will also pursue a master’s and doctorate degree in nursing later.

• Tags:
• College of Health Education and Human Sciences
• Commencement
• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business and Industry