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May 9, 2007
Fifty-seven current and former Vols and Lady Vols representing 13 sports are graduating from the University of Tennessee on Thursday, continuing Tennessee's athletics commitment to excellence in the classroom.
"I'm very proud of the students that are graduating this semester," said Fernandez West, interim director of the Thornton Center. "They have worked hard off the field to earn their degrees and now have earned the distinction of being University of Tennessee Alumni. They should be very proud of their accomplishments."
Among the graduates is basketball standout Dane Bradshaw, who is earning his master's degree in sports management.
"The graduating student-athletes take with them college degrees that prepare them for a life of learning and opportunities," said Dr. Ruth Darling, assistant vice provost and student success center director. "They also take a set of skills they have acquired though their athletics participation that will contribute to their success in future careers and professions."
Also graduating Thursday are three former student-athletes - Jesse Turnbow, who played for the Vols in 1975-77 before getting drafted by the Cleveland Browns; Eddie Moore, a 2003 Miami Dolphins NFL draftee who recently was signed by the Denver Broncos; and Omari Hand, who is earning a civil engineering degree after playing in the NFL for four years.
These individuals returned to the university to finish their degrees through the Thornton Center's Renewing Academic Commitment program. The RAC program works with former student-athletes by assisting them with advice on remaining degree requirements, course scheduling, tutoring, employment and internship opportunities offered through the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program, as well as use of the Thornton Center for their everyday needs.
The 2006 Spring Commencement ceremonies begin with a kickoff celebration Wednesday from 6-8 p.m., including a performance from country music singer Deana Carter.
Ceremonies for various colleges begin Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Knoxville Convention Center. There is a short reception for student-athletes, their families and coaches at the Thornton Center beginning at 4 p.m.
2007 University of Tennessee Spring Graduates
Basketball - Men's
Dane Bradshaw - master's degree
Basketball - Women's
Elizabeth Curry
Dominique Redding
Sidney Spencer
Football
Brad Cottam
Ben Greene
Bill Grimes
Antwan Stewart
Ian Vinson
David Yancey
Golf - Men's
John Brannen
Jonathan Mount
Tino Weiss
Rowing
Stephanie Davis
Kristen Galloway
Heather Hill
Sarah Hutcheson
Rachel Mayberry
Molly Oellerich
Katie Payne
Soccer
Jenny Jeffers
Softball
Katherine Card
India Chiles
Sarah Fekete
Swimming & Diving - Men's
Bradley Boswell
Bryan Goldberg
Kiel Huston
Michael Russo
John Venditti
Swimming & Diving - Women's
Misty Cain
Elizabeth Christy
Tiffany Clay
Megan Tomes
Ashley Yeager
Tennis - Women's
Blakely Griffith
Track & Field - Men's
Andy Baksa
Jeff Day
Tyler DeVault
Chris Helwick
Anthony Immediate
Andy Lane
Ben Lukowski
Eric Pierce
Garland Porter
Track & Field - Women's
Ariel Brooks
Katie Flaute
Felicia Guliford
Patricia Hall
Carly Matthews
April Thomas
Volleyball
Sarah Blum
Kelsey Fautsch
Jennifer Rudy
Annie Sadowski
RAC
Omari Hand
Eddie Moore
Jesse Turnbow
