LeRoy Walker Inspires Graduates at UNC Asheville Commencement; 508 Students Receive Diplomas

Chill winds and cloudy skies didn’t dampen the high spirits of some 4,000 students, parents, and friends gathered on the Quadrangle for University of North Carolina Asheville’s commencement ceremony Saturday morning. LeRoy Walker, a legendary leader in Olympic coaching and higher education, encouraged the 508 graduating seniors to keep their goals in sight and persevere through hard times.

"Work to be possibilitarians -- no matter how difficult things are, always raise your sights to see the possibilities there. . . You have to believe in yourself and the beginning of this new life. Don't let the environment determine who you will become. Education alone is not enough. Talent alone is not enough. Genius alone is not enough. You must have a sense of dedication and devotion to task as you face adversity in your new life," he said.

Walker told the students that despite the highest expectations of others, it will be the students themselves who choose their goals and go after them.

". . . You must write your own destiny because invariably you decide who you will become. Whatever goals you set, you must put your supreme effort toward them or you'll never be satisfied."

Walker, the former chancellor of N.C. Central University, was the first African American to coach a U.S. Olympic team and later served as president of the U.S. Olympic Committee. He was one of four accomplished individuals who received honorary degrees at UNCA's commencement ceremony. Also receiving honorary doctor of humane letter degrees were world-renowned golf course designer and child welfare advocate Tom Fazio, financial leader Muriel Siebert and preeminent dancer Edward Villella.

Three of UNCA's top students received special awards at the ceremony.

Paul Beaton, 25, a biochemistry major from Leicester, received the William and Ida Friday Award for Community Service. Beaton is known for his volunteer efforts at Memorial Mission Hospital, Helpmate, Mountain Sports Festival, and as an instructor at UNCA's Super Saturday Program and at Johns Hopkins University's Center for Talented Youth.

Kate Wittman, 22, a multi-media arts and sciences major from West Palm Beach, Fla., received the A.C. Reynolds Award and the Thomas D. Reynolds Prize for Campus Service. Wittman was praised for her unselfish volunteerism and dedication to university life and the campus community.

Jennifer Green, 22, a political science major from Charlotte, was named the recipient of the Manly Wright Award, presented to the student who is first in scholarship. Green, who is completing an internship at the Carter Center for Human Rights in Atlanta, is currently working with the United Nation's High Commissioner of Human Rights, where she served this past week as an election observer in Sierra Leone. Green, who has a perfect 4.0 grade point average, is an alternate for the prestigious Fulbright Fellowship.

The Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award went to Dwight Mullen, political science professor and special assistant to the chancellor for diversity and multicultural affairs. Mullen, an expert in race, gender and political studies, is a revered by students and faculty alike for his teaching ability and community service.

Media Contacts:

• Merianne Epstein, UNCA Public Information Director, 828/251-6676 or pager 257-5501
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526