47 UT athletes graduate

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

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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