Dec. 15, 2005

Twenty-five current and former Vols and Lady Vols representing eight sports are graduating from the University of Tennessee Saturday, continuing Tennessee's athletics commitment to excellence in the classroom. This group boasts 11 SEC honor roll and 18 Thornton Athletics Student Life Center honor roll recognitions.

"I'm very proud of the students that are graduating this semester," said Eric Brey, director of the Thornton Center. "They have worked hard off the field to earn their degree and now have earned the distinction of being University of Tennessee alumni. They should be very proud of their accomplishment."

Among the graduates are several student-athletes who have earned their diplomas early, such as volleyball star Kristen Andre and football standouts Parys Haralson and James Wilhoit, who earned their degrees in three and a half years. Andres will receive her bachelor's degree in biological sciences. Haralson will receive his bachelor's degree in sociology-criminal justice. Wilhoit, who will receive his bachelor's degree in speech communications, plans to start graduate school in sports psychology in January and eventually attend law school after completing his football career.

Other graduates of note include:
-- Men's swimmer Evan Nylander, who earned his bachelor's degree in the spring of 2004. He receives his master's in business administration. Nylander was the Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete in 2004.
-- Lady Vols swimmer Julia Stowers, former Knoxville West High School swimmer and 2000 Olympic gold medal winner, will receive her bachelor's degree in sociology.

"Commencement always is the happiest moment for me as the Faculty Athletics Representative at Tennessee," said Todd Diacon, head of the history department and NCAA/SEC faculty rep. "At this ceremony, friends, families, coaches and counselors come together to celebrate the ultimate achievement at this university: graduation. I extend my warmest congratulations to this year's graduates."

The 2005 Fall Commencement ceremonies are headlined by Sam Venable, longtime humor columnist and editor at the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. in Thompson-Boling Assembly Center and Arena (TBA). There is a short reception following graduation for student-athletes, their families and their coaches in the Letterman's Room of TBA at 10:30 a.m.

2005 fall graduates:

Baseball
Jordan Czarniecki
Alex Suarez

Football
Peter Chang
Jomo Fagan
Parys Haralson
Bill Martin
Justin Reed
Kevin Shipley
Kevin Simon
Chavis Smith
James Wilhoit
Robert Williams

Golf
Jessica Shepley

Rowing
Chelsea Pemberton
McKenzie Craig

Soccer
Keeley Dowling
Lyndsey Patterson

Swimming and Diving
Julia Stowers
Evan Fischer
Raymond Rosal
Evan Nylander

Track and Field
Lindsey McFarland
Jamie Rebella
Kendra Rhyne

Volleyball
Kristen Andre