Middle Georgia State University established a new tradition when it held commencement ceremonies on December 17.
 
It was the first Fall commencement in the history of the institution. Historically, the college held commencement only in the Spring at the Macon Coliseum or at Morris Gymnasium on the Cochran Campus. Also, it was the first commencement of any kind since the institution became a University in July.
 
The Fall ceremonies took place in the University’s new Recreation and Wellness Center on the Macon Campus. More than 450 students were candidates for graduation, including about 295 who received bachelor’s degrees.
 
Two ceremonies were held. The first, at 10 a.m., was for students graduating from the College of Arts & Sciences and the School of Education. The second, at 3 p.m., was  for candidates graduating from the Schools of Aviation, Business, Health Sciences and Information Technology.
 
Making history as the first graduate to walk across the stage to receive a diploma from Middle Georgia State University was Kaitlyn Renee Phillips of Warner Robins, who completed her bachelor of arts degree in English.
 
The keynote speaker for the 10 a.m. ceremony was Larry Walker, a member of the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents. For the 3 p.m. ceremony, University System Chancellor Hank Huckaby was the keynote speaker.
 
Miguel Carmona, president of the Student Government Association, spoke at both ceremonies, as did Middle Georgia State University Foundation Trustee and Alumna Nylan A. Hinson, Middle Georgia College Class of 1990.
 
Here are the number and types of degrees conferred to fall graduates:
 
•         College of Arts and Sciences:  Bachelor of Arts, 19; Bachelor of Science,  76; Associate of Arts, 34; Associate of Science, 72; Certificate, 3

•         School of Aviation: Bachelor of Science, 36; Associate of Applied Science, 19; Associate of Science, 2; Certificate, 11

•         School of Business: Bachelor of Science,  52; Associate of Science, 19

•         School of Education: Bachelor of Science, 7; Associate of Arts, 1; Associate of Science, 4

•         School of Health Sciences: Bachelor of Science, 73; Associate of Science, 14

•         School of Information Technology: Bachelor of Science, 35; Associate of Science, 1; Certificate, 1