UNA Pressroom

Outstanding Graduates Honored at UNA’s Spring Commencement

May. 16, 2023



Michelle R. Eubanks , UNA, at meubanks@tootsierocha.com, 256.765.4392

FLORENCE, AL – More than a dozen graduates were honored as part of the University of North Alabama spring commencement ceremonies that took place May 12-13. The Turris Fidelis Key was presented to two students, and 11 students received the Keller Key award. 

“The Turris Fidelis Key and the Keller Key are the highest honors that may be conferred by the University to graduating seniors,” said Dr. Ross Alexander, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “The awards are an acknowledgement of the high academic and extracurricular achievement exhibited by the individuals throughout their careers at UNA.” 

The Turris Fidelis Key is awarded only at the spring commencement ceremonies to a graduating senior, or seniors, based on their outstanding service to the University as well as their scholastic achievement. Recipients of this award are selected by a committee of faculty, staff, and students. This year’s recipients are: 

  • Shanise Allen (Fall 2022 graduate), of Birmingham, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a 4.0 grade point average.
  • Mackenzie Martin, of Hoover, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a 4.0 GPA. 

The Keller Key is awarded at each commencement to graduating seniors who have achieved the highest scholastic standards while at UNA. Eleven students were honored for their academic achievement; they are: 

  • Maria Isabel Juarez, of Muscle Shoals, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Elementary Education with a 4.0 GPA.
  • Jayden Lee Bobo, of Boaz, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a 4.0 GPA.
  • Brian Tyler Loy, of Nolensville, Tenn., who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Secondary Education with a 4.0 GPA.
  • Emma Katherine Warren, of Scottsboro, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Elementary Education, Collaborative Special Education with a 4.0 GPA.
  • Joshua Charles Corbin, of Gurley, who graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a double major in Accounting and Finance with a 4.0 GPA.
  • Olivia Grace Knight, of Counce, Tenn., who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a 4.0 GPA.
  • Hugh C. Sparks, of Prattville, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Political Science and History with a 4.0 GPA.
  • Colton Chase Aaron Marquart, of Cherokee, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Industry with a 4.0 GPA.
  • Avery Sara Calvert, of Trafford, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History with a 4.0 GPA.
  • Macy Claire Hall, of Columbia, Tenn., who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Events Management with a 4.0 GPA.
  • Chelsea Marie Haynes, of Oxford, who graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Music with a 4.0 GPA.

 

About The University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama is an accredited, comprehensive regional state university offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs through the colleges of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering; the Sanders College of Business and Technology; Education and Human Sciences; and the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions. Occupying a 130-acre campus in a residential section of Florence, Alabama, UNA is located within a four-city area that also includes Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. UNA Athletics, a renowned collegiate athletics program with seven (7) Division II National Championships, is now a proud member of NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic Sun and United Athletic conferences. The University of North Alabama is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate in the admission policy on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, age, or national origin. For more: tootsierocha.com and tootsierocha.com/unaworks/.