25 Student-Athletes Honored at Annual Graduation Breakfast

Twenty-five NC State student-athletes were honored at a graduation breakfast ceremony in Vaughn Towers prior to the university commencement in PNC Arena. Parents, coaches, advisors, and friends gathered together to celebrate the student-athletes’ academic, athletic, and personal accomplishments.

Christian McCurdy, men’s swimming, served as the emcee for the event. Each graduating student-athlete was presented with a “student-athlete” sash by their head coach, or a representative of their sport, and their academic advisor.

Dr. Lisa Zapata, ASPSA’s Interim Director, thanked the athletic department, ASPSA, and families before orchestrating the presentation of sashes. Dr. Deborah Yow spoke to the crowd, reminding student-athletes of the strong foundation they formed in preparation for their next endeavors: “NC State is a solid foundation. You are prepared in your discipline.” 

Alex McCauley, men’s soccer, gave the student reflection. He advised his fellow student-athletes to keep striving for success stating, “strive for excellence in all that you do because you can have joy in that, but know that if you don’t win any awards or material things you are not a failure…you were always meant to be defined by something so much greater.”

Congratulations to the class of 2016! Go Pack!