Student-Athletes Recognized at ASPSA Graduation Breakfast

Early Friday morning, NC State student-athletes were honored at ASPSA’s graduation breakfast ceremony in Vaughn Towers. Of the 3,293 NC State students who graduated in fall 2017, 36 were student-athletes. The ASPSA graduation breakfast is held each semester 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.

Alexia Zevnik and Geoffrey Carter, both from swimming and diving, emceed the ceremony. They started off reflecting on their time at NC State, specifically referencing the strong leadership skills instilled in them: “Here, we are challenged to find new ways to deal with conflict, develop ways to inspire, and encourage leadership to our teammates. Leadership is a big theme here…I truly believe that every athlete here is a leader and that stems from a culture set by individuals before us, and by those who surround and support us all today.”

Megan Albidrez, associate director at ASPSA, facilitated the presentation of sashes. Each student-athlete was recognized and given a “student-athlete” sash to wear over their cap and gown. Brian Clark, from the Wolfpack Club, congratulated the graduates and informed students about the NC State Alumni Association. Dr. Yow addressed the crowd, fervently stating that the graduates will be hired “because that is what happens when your degree is from State.”

Football student-athlete Tony Adams gave the student-athlete reflection. He started by thanking his coaches, athletic administration, trainers and ASPSA for their hard work and dedication to his success. Adams commented that the most important lesson he’s learned as a student-athlete at State is “we are family and we must function and love each other like a family…that is my big takeaway from my experience at NC State. I will always feel like a part of a big family.”

Congratulations, graduates! Your ASPSA family will miss you!