Graduating Students Honored For Academic Achievements In Fall Recognition Ceremony
Graduating students in the Texas A&M College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts were honored at a Dec. 11 recognition event at Geren Auditorium prior to their graduation ceremonies that followed on Dec. 12 and 13 at Reed Arena.
In his opening remarks, Dean Tim McLaughlin shared how the graduates should take pride in their accomplishments, given all they have overcome in the last four years. He said despite significant worldwide changes including the COVID-19 pandemic, students pushed forward.
“You were resilient as you faced challenges and overcame them,” he said. “You were able to say: ‘I can do this. I can move forward in a world that has changed. I am adaptable and resilient. Not only can I do it, but I can figure out how to do it and keep myself together while doing so.’”
McLaughlin said students in each academic program learned how to receive and provide feedback and how to work with others. He noted that this was part of the “other education” students receive at Texas A&M University.
“This ‘other education’ of soft skills and hard skills are the things that will serve you best in the years to come,” he said. “You will adapt, collaborate and be resilient when faced with changes. These qualities are embedded into your degree.”
“You are important to us for what you have accomplished and what you symbolize for the college at Texas A&M,” he said.
Students received graduation certificates, and six received Distinguished Student Awards for their work in the Dance Science, Performance and Visual Studies and Visualization programs.
Andersen Wood
Andersen Wood earned the Distinguished Student Award for the Bachelor of Science in Visualization. Hadeel Ramadan, instructional associate professor and undergraduate program director, gave remarks on behalf of several instructors.
“We have had the pleasure of working with Andersen at the most stressful times of the semester,” she said. “He is a true jack of all trades and a master of multiple. While I am sad to see him go, I know he has a bright future ahead.”
Ramadan shared comments by Caleb Kicklighter, instructional assistant professor, who called Wood an exemplary student in and out of the classroom:
“I can honestly say I have never met a student as universally trusted and dependable as Andersen. Whether he was leading a short film project, serving as president of SIGGRAPH or mentoring other students, Andersen has always been the person his peers turn to for guidance and support. I feel lucky to have had him in my classroom.”
Annie Rabel
Annie Rabel earned the Distinguished Student Award for the Bachelor of Science in Dance Science. Diane Bedford, section chair of Dance, Music and Theatre Performance and clinical associate professor, highlighted Rabel’s dedication, commitment and involvement in the program.
“Annie jumped in right away and was involved from the very beginning,” Bedford said. “She has actively participated in Dance Science research, both as a research assistant and participant. She has also been cast and regularly performed in faculty and student creative works every year.”
Bedford said Rabel was a leader and exemplary student, and strived to grow as a dancer.
“When I think of Annie, I think of her in my ballet class, standing in her favorite spot at the ballet bar,” Bedford said. “She would be quietly working, asking questions and taking in every correction with eagerness and a very open heart.”
Tori Turner
Turner earned the Distinguished Student Award for the Bachelor of Arts in Performance and Visual Studies. Patrick Sullivan, assistant professor, highlighted the scope of Turner’s senior capstone project about synesthesia.
“She not only presented her work — she illuminated it,” Sullivan said. “She invited us into a world where colors could hum, and sounds could shimmer. She is an artist and scholar who knows her craft and discipline.”
Sullivan said a faculty member reflected on Turner’s way of “adapting and applying creative practices, creating her flexibility and innovative spirit” during her capstone presentation.
“Tori, your commitment to performance studies has been a beacon for the program,” he said. “But it’s not just your creativity that we celebrate today; it’s your collaboration, your positivity and your support for those around you.”
Aayushi Rahul Gandhi
Aayushi Rahul Gandhi earned the Distinguished Student Award for the Master of Science in Visualization. Dean Tim McLaughlin spoke on behalf of Courtney Starrett, associate professor and graduate program director, who was unable to attend.
“Aayushi yearned for artistic expression while searching for meaning within her computer programming skills,” McLaughlin said. “She has demonstrated high academic achievement, conceptual development in context with computer graphics, and leadership within the program.”
McLaughlin said a nominating faculty member said Gandhi always saw her culture in everything she designed, and executed “authentic narratives to give context to her visualization and experience.”
“Her contribution to the Visualization program included exceptional mentorship to our undergraduates and support for our faculty as a graduate teaching assistant,” he said. “She is remarkably disciplined, self-motivated and an ideal student.”
Maleah Miller
Maleah Miller earned the Distinguished Student Award for the Master of Fine Arts in Visualization. Dean Tim McLaughlin spoke on behalf of Starrett. In Starrett’s remarks, she said Miller enriched the program through her dedication and determination to her work:
“She is a visual storyteller — connecting disciplines through theories of scholars. She has exceptional expertise in traditional mediums such as sculpture, fiber arts and painting, as well as digital illustration and 3D modeling and sculpting.”
McLaughlin said Miller was a graduate teaching assistant who delivered lectures, kept office hours and mentored students.
“She set an incredibly high standard for herself,” he said, “as she modeled an exceptional work ethic and encouraged her peers with genuine support.”
Closing Remarks
Christine Bergeron, associate dean for academic affairs and clinical professor for the Dance Science program, gave the closing remarks and urged the graduates to follow their passions and creative visions as artists.
“Be willing to work hard,” she said. “Living the life of an artist isn’t easy, but your passion and love for the arts will always make it worth it. Trust your instincts. Believe in yourself, your worth and your ideas. Be bold and take risks. Go forth with courage, creativity and love. And remember, you are the future. The stage is yours.”
