Forty-seven Tennessee athletes representing 12 sports will walk across the stage this week receiving their diplomas.
"These students have worked hard to reach this achievement and earn their degrees,” said Eric Brey director of the Thornton Center. “They now have earned the distinction of being University of Tennessee Alumni. We are very proud of their accomplishments.”
Among the graduates is two-time Olympic silver medalist swimmer Christine Magnuson. Offensive lineman Jacques McClendon will be receiving his degree in Finance after only three years. He will enter graduate school this summer.
The graduates include six former athletes that have returned to UT: Corey Campbell (football), Kelly Edmundson (baseball), Jonathan Heffney (football), Ryan Karl (football), Matt McGlothlin (football), and Jayson Swain (football).
The former players finished their degree 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 internships opportunities offered through the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program, as well as use of the Thornton Center for their everyday needs.
Edmundson left a full-time position at a baseball training facility in Memphis to return to college. Heffney said he put his NFL career on hold in pursuit of his diploma. He plans to try and make a pro team this summer.
Ceremonies for the various colleges began Wednesday and continue through Friday. The commencement ceremonies will take place at Thompson-Bowling Arena and the James R. Cox Auditorium in the Alumni Memorial Building.
2009 Spring Graduates
Baseball
Kelly Edmundson (RAC)
Mike Moore
Basketball
Ryan Childress
Tanner Wild
Football
Brett Barnes
Josh Briscoe
Corey Campbell (RAC)
Jeff Cottam
Morgan Cox
Jonathan Crompton
Brent Freeman
Jonathan Heffney (RAC)
David Holbert
Ryan Karl (RAC)
Jacques McClendon
Matt McGlothlin (RAC)
Chris Scott
Jayson Swain (RAC)
Dan Williams
Rowing
Kate Brownlee
Caroline Howell
Soccer
Jaimel Johnson
Kylee Rossi
Leslie Vineyard
Softball
Kenora Posey
Swimming and Diving
Laura Fehrman
Greg Houchin
Maria Jugan
Sarah McCall
Christine Magnuson
Jonas Persson
Ashley Quinn
Ryan Rincon
Tennis
Samantha Orlin
Track and Field
Sarah Bowman
Nate Couture
Alicia Essex
Jonathan Fluellen
Akeen Hardnett
Yarrick Kincaid
Celriece Law
Leah Soro
Steven Tobin
Brenard Wilson
Volleyball
Mindy Flynn
Lauren LaFlamme
Kylie Marshall
Oregon sends Lady Vols home from…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 9
Volunatic writes:
Congratulations, Vol graduates! We're proud of you!
Ironcity writes:
I noticed a lot of players who struggled getting in. Congrats to all the athletes but especially to them.
I hope our football team doesn't get penalized for McClendon going to grad school like the Basketball team did with Crump.
gwbask writes:
CONGRADULATIONS!
CoverOrange writes:
Hmmm, another year without a single chess player or debate team member graduating. They must be getting hit hard by the APR.
GreerVol22 writes:
graduating is an honorable thing , even if it is in sports management...
londonvol writes:
He played alot and kept his mouth shout, didn't cause a problem for the coaches. I would say congrats on the degree and good luck in the working world.
pmillerkw#325516 writes:
I'm proud of you all for doing well in athletics and getting your degree. I hope your future brings many wonderful things!
I am especially proud of Ryan Karl. You've held your head high and have done well in your football career. It's awesome the new choices coming your way!! It shows the high caliber young man you are. Tennessee coaches did a lot to mold you and I am soooo appreciative!! Sports are so much more than a game.
GO VOLS!!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Congrats all.
Wonder if Cheese ever completed his crowd control minor?
rusty_shackleford writes:
I understand that UK doesn't give diplomas, but does award Certificates of Attendance. If the mullet is cut before the ceremony, the student earns a certificate designated as "Mane C u m Laude." If they still have all of their teeth, their certificate says "Dental C u m Laude." And if their Camaro doesn't have any visible (very impt) Bondo, they earn a certificate with "Auto C u m Laude."
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