Armstrong State University hosted the 2015 Fall Commencement on Saturday, December 12, 2015, conferring degrees on more than 630 students in two graduation ceremonies held at Armstrong’s Alumni Arena.

Armstrong recognized students receiving master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees and associate’s degrees in a wide range of fields. Students from the College of Liberal Arts, College of Education, College of Health Professions and College of Science and Technology marched in colorful processionals and were honored by Armstrong officials.

Following an eruption of cheers and claps, university president Dr. Linda M. Bleicken warmly welcomed the 2015 graduates and their families to Fall Commencement.

“We are so proud of you today,” she told the graduates. “You have achieved so much with this education milestone.”

Cathy Hill, the Region Vice President of Georgia Power, served as the commencement speaker at both ceremonies. Also the secretary-treasurer of Savannah Economic and Development Authority and chairman of the board of directors for Armstrong State University Educational Properties Foundation, Hill is a leader in economic development, governmental relations and community development.

“This graduating class is a testament to Armstrong’s unwavering commitment to student success,” Hill said in her address. “Class of 2015, you are standing in the threshold of opportunity that leads to success. You’ve been prepared by this institution and nurtured by the love and support of your family.”

For 23-year-old Arielle Powell, who earned a B.A. in English and heads to Houston to begin a job with United Airlines in January, there are mixed emotions about leaving her alma mater.

“It’s kind of bittersweet,” noted Powell, a former writer for Armstrong’s newspaper, The Inkwell, and activist with ASU Feminists United. “It’s the closing of one chapter and the start of another.”

Computer Science major Daniel Swain, who loves Armstrong’s environment, professors and Career Services department, which guided him through job searches, mock interviews, resume building and eventually job placement, agreed.

He’ll miss the campus that has been his home for the last four years, but he’s thrilled with his new position at OnPoint Digital, a local entity that assists some of the world’s leading companies and brands with training, performance support and business communications-focused technology initiatives.

“It hasn’t all really sunk in yet,” said Swain. “Armstrong has been really good to me. I feel like my education is really worth something.”