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The University of North Georgia (ÌìÃÀÉçÇø) honored about 600 fall graduates in commencement ceremonies Dec. 17 in the Convocation Center at ÌìÃÀÉçÇø's Dahlonega Campus.

Jack L. Rives, executive director of the American Bar Association, and Dr. Belle Wheelan, president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, shared their advice with graduates as the events' keynote speakers.

Wheelan encouraged graduates to serve their communities and not be afraid to ask questions.

"Remember that learning is a lifelong phenomenon," Wheelan said.

Rives, a retired Air Force lieutenant general, encouraged graduates to live guided by preparation, respect, integrity, determination, and enthusiasm.

"Your attitude is contagious, whether it's positive or negative," Rives said.

2nd Lt. Phillip Ly, from Forest Park, Georgia, commissioned as an officer in the Georgia Army National Guard in the military intelligence branch and earned a bachelor's degree in strategic and security studies. He begins an internship in the clerk's office at the Georgia House of Representatives in January. His ultimate goal is to become a Foreign Service officer.

Ly earned Gilman, Freeman-ASIA, Fund for Education Abroad, and Boren scholarships during his time at ÌìÃÀÉçÇø. He had the opportunity to participate in the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program in Washington, D.C., in summer 2022.

The program fully funds students to spend six weeks in the nation's capital learning from diplomats, Foreign Service officers, and others on Capitol Hill. Scholars also took two courses for credit from Howard University and attended a seminar on professional writing. Typically, only 15 students are selected each year from a nationwide pool of more than 800 applications.

"I grew and learned so much about myself, what I want my career path to be and what I want to do in the world," Ly said. "It's a dream job traveling around the world helping other people and serving the United States. I will enjoy building those connections with other countries."

Ly was one of 21 graduates took their oath of office and were commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army or Georgia Army National Guard in individual ceremonies Dec. 16. ÌìÃÀÉçÇø is one of only six senior military colleges in the United States and is designated as the Military College of Georgia.

Kate Monheim, from Peachtree City, Georgia, earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry with a biochemistry concentration. Monheim plans to work in the spring while applying to start graduate school in fall 2023 to pursue a Ph.D. in organic chemistry.

Monheim originally planned to transfer to a bigger university after a couple of years before staying at ÌìÃÀÉçÇø due to numerous undergraduate research opportunities. A member of the Honors Program, Monheim partnered with faculty member Dr. Jeremy Olson on research about light-absorbing compounds. She also completed a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates at Georgia State University, where she examined the potential of dyes in early detection of viruses.

Dr. Royce Dansby-Sparks, ÌìÃÀÉçÇø interim associate department head of chemistry, also mentored Monheim in the Honors Program. Monheim is grateful for the departmental awards she has received, as well.

"It's validation that I'm doing something right," Monheim said.