COMMENCEMENT 2013
Young Harris College conferred 146 degrees on graduates participating in the College’s commencement ceremony on May 4 in the YHC Recreation and Fitness Center, including 131 seniors earning degrees in biology, business and public policy, communication studies, English, history, music, musical theatre, outdoor leadership and theatre. This marks the third year that YHC has awarded bachelor’s degrees since receiving accreditation in 2008 to offer four-year programs. Celebrated television news anchor Monica Kaufman Pearson delivered the commencement address to the graduates.
Young Harris College President Cathy Cox presented Pearson with an honorary doctor of public service degree. The Young Harris College Medallion, the highest honor bestowed by YHC to alumni and friends who have made extraordinary contributions, was awarded to Atlanta’s Jerry Nix, in recognition of his leadership as the College’s Board of Trustees Chairman through possibly the greatest transformation in its 127-year history. Nix recently retired from his position as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Atlanta-based Genuine Parts Company. President Cox also awarded several student awards during the ceremony.
Watch Online!
For those friends and family members who were unable to attend, Young Harris College streamed live the 2013 Commencement. The video can also be accessed in May directly on the YHC website by visiting yhc.edu/commencement2013.
Relive the Memories!
A DVD recording of the 2013 Baccalaureate Service and Commencement is available for $15. The DVDs can be purchased online at yhc.edu/graduationDVD. The DVDs will be mailed approximately six weeks after the event.
Commencement Weekend Events
Picnic and Vesper's Service at Brasstown Bald
One of the key moments during the commencement weekend is the annual trek to the top of Bald Mountain where all graduates, their families and college personnel gather for the Vesper's Service at sunset. A picnic catered by The Varsity will precede the service.
Students are encouraged to participate in the seven-mile hike to Bald Mountain prior to the service.
Commencement Practice and Baccalaureate Service
Commencement practice will begin at 10 a.m. in front of the YHC Recreation and Fitness Center. Students will be lined up according to degree in alphabetical order.
Graduates earning a baccalaureate degree and their families are invited to the Baccalaureate Service in Glenn Auditorium of the Clegg Fine Arts Building at 7 p.m. At this service, students will receive their stole that will be worn with academic regalia at commencement. Students will have the opportunity to choose who presents the stole to them. Attire is academic regalia.Commencement Ceremony
Commencement Ceremony
The commencement ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Students will assemble in front of the Recreation and Fitness Center for lineup at 10:30 a.m.
Final Transcript
Students must request a final transcript in writing to be sent at the end of the semester. Transcript request forms can be found on YHC Connect and must be turned into the Office of the Registrar. Transcripts will not be released until all student accounts and fees have been paid.
Application for Graduation
Students must file an Application for Graduation form with the Office of the Registrar. This form is also available on YHC Connect.
Diplomas
Diplomas will not be handed out during the commencement. Students can pick up diplomas after the ceremony in the Registrar’s Office in the bottom floor of the Pruitt Barrett Building. Please have your YHC ID card with you when picking up your diploma. Diplomas will not be mailed.
Cap and Gown Order
Graduates are responsible for ordering cap and gown online. Graduation fees are $125 and can be paid in the Business Office. Students may also order announcements and other items through this website.
Replacement Diploma Request
Any alumni wishing to replace a diploma must fill out a request form. The diploma repalcement fee is $40.
Experience Commencement 2013 Again!
Click here to view photos of the 2012 Commencement ceremony, Baccalaureate Service and Vespers Service.
Click here to view highlights from the 2013 Commencement ceremony.