Dec. 15, 2006

Eighteen current and former Vols and Lady Vols representing seven sports are graduating from the University of Tennessee Sunday, continuing Tennessee athletics' commitment to excellence in the classroom.

Among the graduates are two student-athletes who have earned their diplomas early. Softball player Kristi Durant and tennis star Victoria Jones earned their degrees in three and a half years. Durant is graduating with a bachelor's in psychology and Jones with a bachelor's in biochemistry. Another graduate of note is football kicker James Wilhoit who is earning a master's degree in sports psychology.

"I'm very proud of the student-athletes receiving their degrees 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 a University of Tennessee Alumni."

The 2006 Fall Commencement ceremonies are headlined by Ms. Rita Sanders Geier, executive counselor on interagency adjudication for the Social Security Service in Washington, D.C.

Ceremonies begin at 3 p.m. in Thompson-Boling Assembly Center and Arena (TBA). There is a short reception before graduation for student-athletes, their families and their coaches in the Letterman's Room of Thompson-Boling Arena at 1:00 p.m. Media are invited to attend.

2006 Graduates

Baseball
Wyatt Allen
Chris Howell

Football
Cory Anderson
Stanley Asumnu (basketball)
Drew Tardy
Todd Vinson
Ryan West
James Wilhoit

Golf
Lloyd Campbell
Golda Johansson

Softball
Kristi Durant

Swimming
Kara Boland
Michael Thomas

Tennis
David Baxendine
Victoria Jones

Track
Megan Cauble
Nathan Jansen
Mindy Sullivan