UMO Athletes Walk Early
April 23, 2024
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
MOUNT OLIVE –Thirty-two University of Mount Olive athletes received their diplomas during a special ceremony Monday morning, four days earlier than the rest of the Class of 2024. Ten members of the softball team, six track and field athletes, five men’s and women’s tennis players, and eleven members of the men’s lacrosse team will all be competing in the Conference Carolinas Championship preventing them from participating in the university-wide commencement ceremony to be held on Friday, April 26 in Kornegay Arena.
University of Mount Olive President Dr. H. Edward Croom and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Burt Lewis presided over the ceremony in Southern Bank Auditorium. Friends and family of the athletes attended the event, as well as faculty members dressed in full academic regalia. Alumni President Julie Graham brought greetings to the University’s newest alumni members.
During the ceremony, Hudson Karasek of Hennepin, MN was recognized for his academic achievements. He received the prestigious Thomas R. Morris Award for Academic Excellence, which is presented annually to the traditional baccalaureate graduate whose studies have been at the University of Mount Olive during full-time, continuous enrollment. The award is for the highest academic average based on the greatest number of credit hours. A check for $1,500 accompanies each of the award. The award was established by the generosity of the late Dr. Thomas R. Morris, a native of Nahunta in Wayne County.
After the ceremony, University of Mount Olive Director of Athletics Joey Higginbotham said, “We are looking forward to seeing great things from these leaders of tomorrow. It was truly a Great Day to be a Trojan!”
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
View images at: https://images.umo.edu/2024/Athletics-Graduation
