ATHENS — Friday was a good day to be a Dawg.
It could be argued that’s the case every day, but it was especially good for 97 individuals who suited up in the red and black and competed on the field of play for the University of Georgia these last few years. They picked up undergraduate and graduate degrees in studies ranging from biology, business and mechanical engineering to journalism and international affairs.
Graduate ceremonies were conducted during the day at Stegeman Coliseum while the undergraduate ceremony will be tonight at Sanford Stadium.
Several former Bulldogs were among 14 football players to pick up degrees Friday. In fact, Justin Young was the only current player on scholarship to graduate Friday. The redshirt senior defensive end picked up his degree in communication studies. John Eager, a walkon linebacker from Valdosta, completed his work for a management degree.
Otherwise, the rest of the football players walking Friday either had come back to complete the work or recently exhausted their eligibility. They were Michal Chigbu (advertising), Kwame Geathers (consumer economics), Sage Hardin (finance), Jackson Harris (mechanical engineering), Mirko Jurkovic (sport management), Nick Moore (finance and mathematics), Malkom Parrish, communication studies, Rashad Roundtree (sport management), Dyshon Sims (communication studies), John Theus (human development and family sciences), Shakenneth Williams (sociology) and Jarvis Wilson, psychology.
Former basketball player Juwan Parker became a “Triple Dawg” will he picked up a masters degree in financial planning. Six current Georgia basketball players also picked up degrees: Pape Diatta (international affairs), Michael Edwards (communication studies), Christian Harrison (finance and real estate), Turtle Jackson (agribusiness), Derek Ogbeide (consumer economics) and Connor O’Neill (finance).
Following is a list of other graduates who also competed as UGA athletes:
Baseball: Ryan Avidano (biochem and molecular biology), Jared Cheek (computer science), Zach Cone (House Management and Policy), Nick King (communication studies), Mason Meadows (management).
Equestrian: Madison Anger, Biology; Jessica Blum, Human Development and Family Science; Chaney Getchell, Risk Management and Insurance; Anna Hutlas, Consumer Journalism; Emma Mandarino, Accounting; Sarah McDonald, Financial Planning; Alexis Mougalian, Finance; Madison Newman, Risk Management and Insurance; Lila Owens, Communication Studies; Graysen Stroud, Housing; Catherine Sullivan, International Affairs and Journalism; Danielle Walawender, Animal Science.
Gymnastics: Vivi Babalis, Masters in Sport Management; Grace Cherrey, Marketing; Morgan Reynolds, Masters in Journalism; Sydney Snead, Sport Management; Lauren Johnson, Masters in Public Health (Grad Assistant).
Men’s Golf: Jack Larkin, Finance and Real Estate; David Mackey, Risk Management and Insurance; Tyler Waller, Sport Management.
Men’s Tennis: Walker Duncan, Finance; Jan Zielinski, Sport Management.
Soccer: Anna Bougas, Consumer Economics; Mariel Velasco Gutierrez, Mechanical Engineering; Louise Hogrell, Art; Josie Roebuck, Art.
Softball: Kylie Bass, Human Development and Family Science; Kendall Burton, Communication Studies; Cortni Emanuel, Masters in Sport Management; Brittany Gray, Communication Studies; Tiffani Railey, Psychology.
Swimming: Alex BeMiller, Management; Chase Kalisz, Sport Management; Jay Litherland, Sociology; Kevin Litherland, Sociology; Mick Literland, Sociology; William Wesley, Sport Management and Advertising; Olivia Ball, Biological Engineering; Chelsie Britt, Sport Management; Madison Duvall, Human Development and Family Science; Allison Greene, Sport Management; Kylie Stewart, International Affairs.
Track: Jeramey Hampton, Finance; Raytez Jenkins, Communication Studies; Tyler Jones, Consumer Economics; Daniel Navarro, Sport Management; Jonathan Pelham, International Affairs and Political Science; Jonathan Raines, Finance; Austin Sprague, Communication Studies; Hailey Branch, Communication Studies; Madeline Fagan, Master in the Study of Law; Keturah Orji, Masters in Sport Management; Emily Savage, Advertising; Kayla Smith, Sociology; Grace Tavani, Communication Studies and Spanish; Mary Terry, Health and Physical Education; Bailey Weiland, Sport Management.
Volleyball: Majesti Bass, Journalism; Sydney Gilliam, Public Relations; Kaitlin Houser, Art History; Anna Kate Karstens, Human Development and Family Sciences; Kendall Kazor, Marketing; Caroline Ostman, Finance.
Women’s Basketball: Haley Clark, Masters in Financial Planing; Taja Cole, Communication Studies; William Jenkins, Management Information Systems (Manager), Zachary Rich, Finance and Sport Management (Manager).
Women’s Golf: Jillian Hollis, Communication Studies; Rinko Mitsunaga, Communication Studies; Isabella Skinner, Masters in Accounting; Madison Tardy, Financial Planning.