UNA Pressroom

Outstanding Graduates Honored At Una's Spring Commencement

May. 10, 2021



Michelle Eubanks, UNA, at media@una.edu, 256.765.4392 or 256.606.2033

CONTACT: Michelle Eubanks, UNA, at meubanks@una.edu, 256-606-2033 or 256-765-4392

May 10, 2020

FLORENCE, AL - More than a dozen graduates we honored as part of the spring commencement ceremonies that took place May 7 and 8 at the University of North Alabama. The Turris Fidelis Key was presented to two students, and 11 students received the Keller Key award.

"These are the highest honors conferred on graduating seniors at the University," said Dr. Ross Alexander, Provost and Executive Vice President at UNA. "The awards acknowledge the years of academic and extracurricular achievement these individuals have worked toward throughout their careers at UNA, and it is something about which they can take pride for years to come."

The Turris Fidelis Key is awarded to a graduating senior on the basis of outstanding service to the University and scholastic achievement. Recipients of this award are selected by a committee of faculty, staff, and students. This year's recipients are:

  • Charles Samuel Gordon, of Russellville, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Arts and a minor in History. He has a 4.0 grade point average.
  • Hunter Tate Gooch, of Killen, who graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration, with majors in Accounting and Finance. He has a 3.95 GPA.

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

  • Kimberly Elizabeth Broyles, of Rogersville, who graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Architecture and Design. On a scale of 4.00, her GPA is 4.00.
  • Taylor Rebekah Garrison, of Hartselle, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education. On a Scale of 4.00, her GPA is 4.00.
  • Charles Samuel Gordon, of Russellville, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Arts. On a 4.00 scale, his GPA is 4.00.
  • Megan E. Haller, of Gasden, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Multi-Level, Teacher Education. On a 4.00 scale, her GPA is 4.00.
  • Garrett N. Hawkins, of Florence, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. On a 4.00 scale, his grade point average is 4.00.
  • Daisy Nicole Hill, of Killen, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Secondary Education. On a 4.00 scale, her GPA is 4.00.
  • Chloe Nell Kirkland, Hayden, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary Education. On a 4.00 scale, her GPA is 4.00.
  • Kara Ann Nix, Muscle Shoals, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Hygiene and Chemistry. On a 4.00, her GPA is 4.00.
  • Mackenzie Nicole Overton, Warrior, who graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. On a 4.00 scale, her GPA is 4.00.
  • Joni Marie Swiatocha, of Olivehill, Tenn., who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. On a 4.00 scale, her GPA is 4.00.
  • Camille M. Watson, of Madison, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. On a 4.00 scale, her GPA is 4.00

About The University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama is an accredited, comprehensive regional state university offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs through the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, 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 the NCAA Division I's ASUN Big South Conference. 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: www.una.edu and www.una.edu/unaworks/