ETSU Celebrates Fall 2024 Graduates at Commencement
Inaugural class of BlueSky Tennessee Institute among graduates
East Tennessee State University celebrated the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2024 during two Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Among the 1,369 graduates honored was the inaugural cohort of the BlueSky Tennessee Institute, who made history as the first to complete this innovative workforce development program with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.
“Commencement is the pinnacle of the academic year and one of my favorite days on the calendar,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “The Class of 2024 has shown remarkable resilience and perseverance. For some, this last semester has been especially difficult in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastation to our region. Today, we honor their hard work and perseverance, knowing they are prepared to make a meaningful impact in their communities and careers.”
Dr. Thomas Kwasigroch, the ETSU Distinguished Faculty in Teaching honoree, was the speaker at the morning ceremony, which celebrated graduates of the Quillen College of Medicine (Biomedical Sciences) and colleges of Public Health, Arts and Sciences, and Health Sciences. Kwasigroch presented the graduates with a list of 10 things he wished someone had told him when he graduated from college, concluding by asking them to live with courage.
“It takes courage to make sure that you help someone every day. Be that courageous person who steps in to help when help is needed,” said Kwasigroch, who has taught at ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine for more than 45 years.
Graduates of the inaugural class of the BlueSky Tennessee Institute
At the afternoon ceremony, Dr. JD Hickey, president and CEO of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, spoke to the graduates. This ceremony included the Clemmer College of Education and Human Development, College of Nursing, and College of Business and Technology, which includes the 27 graduates from the BlueSky Tennessee Institute. This groundbreaking collaboration between BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and ETSU enables students to earn a bachelor’s degree in computing in 27 months with no academic debt.
In his role with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Hickey leads the executive team responsible for daily performance and management of the enterprise that employs more than 6,500 people and serves more than 3.4 million plan members. He was also instrumental in the creation of the BlueSky Tennessee Institute with ETSU.
In his speech, Hickey reminded the graduates that “education is a gift” and encouraged them to value relationships and to get involved in their communities.
“Ask almost any older person in your life – and most will tell you that it’s the quality of our relationships and the depth of our connection to our communities that matter most,” he said.
To watch the full recordings of the ceremonies, visit etsu.edu/commencement.
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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