Three lucky grads get diplomas early at UNC-CH
Graduation for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill isn't until Sunday, but three lucky students received their diplomas Friday.
Posted — UpdatedThe small ceremony marked a first for Chancellor Carol Folt, who was installed in October, and the students, who are the first in their families to earn a college degree.
Ashley Ownbey of Rutherfordton, Shannon Smith of Chapel Hill and Edgar Lopez of Chapel Hill each received a unique, hand-signed diploma from Folt.
“It’s been really a great moment to take in,” Ownbey said. “I think I have a real passion for learning. I’m not just graduating, I’m graduating with the highest honors.”
Smith said she wants to be an example for her daughter.
“It is a really big deal for my daughter, Isabel, to see me accomplish such a milestone,” she said. “She's going to look to me to see how to be successful.”
All three students majored in public policy.
“I have a real interest in the public sector and giving back through government,” Lopez said.
Nearly 6,000 degrees will be conferred during Sunday’s commencement, which begins at 9:30 a.m.
• Credits
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