{"id":6465,"date":"2024-06-06T14:04:53","date_gmt":"2024-06-06T14:04:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/?p=6090"},"modified":"2025-03-19T14:50:40","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T18:50:40","slug":"wilmington-universitys-class-of-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/2024\/06\/06\/wilmington-universitys-class-of-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Wilmington University\u2019s Class of 2024\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kadence-column6465_babe2f-ca > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-lg, 3rem);}.kadence-column6465_babe2f-ca > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column6465_babe2f-ca > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column6465_babe2f-ca > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column6465_babe2f-ca > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column6465_babe2f-ca > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column6465_babe2f-ca > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column6465_babe2f-ca{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column6465_babe2f-ca > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 991px){.kadence-column6465_babe2f-ca > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column6465_babe2f-ca dynamic-main-col\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<p>Wilmington University celebrated its 53rd Commencement ceremonies on June 2-3, 2024, awarding more than 3,700 academic degrees at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The accomplished Class of 2024 demonstrated exceptional dedication, achieving their academic goals amid professional responsibilities and personal commitments.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Graduates, spanning ages from 18 to 77, represented 60 countries in continents including Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. More than 2,900 completed their degrees entirely online. The online graduating student residing the furthest distance from Delaware lives in Japan, while one graduate traveled from China. All graduates automatically joined Wilmington University\u2019s Alumni Association, comprising 70,000 members.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Student commencement addresses reflected the support and guidance provided by family, friends, faculty, and staff.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Speakers<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Seven ceremonies represented the WilmU colleges. Speakers included:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dr. Jared Brown<\/strong> \u2013 Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (College of Education &amp; Liberal Arts)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mr. A<\/strong><strong>gustin \u201cGus\u201d Castellanos<\/strong> \u2013 BS in Computer Science with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence (College of Technology)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dr<\/strong>. <strong>Cassandra Dike<\/strong> \u2013 Doctor of Nursing Practice (College of Health Professions &amp; Natural Sciences)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dr. Jessica Hughes <\/strong>\u2013 Doctor of Social Science in Prevention Science (College of Social &amp; Behavioral Science)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ms. Anastasia Jackson<\/strong> \u2013 BS in Human Resource Management with a concentration in Business Administration (College of Business)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mr. Gary Mayo \u2013 <\/strong>MS in Digital Communication (College of Technology)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dr. Cari Miller<\/strong> \u2013 Doctor of Business Administration (College of Business)&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Wilmington-University-Castellanos-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:186px;height:auto\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Agustin \u201cGus\u201d Castellanos<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Agustin \u201cGus\u201d Castellanos<\/strong>, who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a concentration in Artificial Intelligence<strong>, <\/strong>represented WilmU\u2019s College of Technology. A native of South Florida, Mr. Castellanos is a first-generation Cuban American who works as a media and production operations manager at the Walt Disney Company.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr. Castellanos reflected on the graduates\u2019 tenacity, grit and perseverance to earn their degrees. \u201cWe all come from different backgrounds and at different phases of our lives, all united by our time here at Wilmington University,\u201d he said. \u201cLike many of you, I would not have been able to accomplish this without the support of family, friends and faculty who provided the foundation to uplift me throughout this journey.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Wilmington-University-Jackson-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:181px;height:auto\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Anastasia Jackson<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Anastasia Jackson<\/strong> represented the College of Business class. Ms. Jackson serves her community as the Kent County business manager for the Delaware Division of Small Business and statewide coordinator of Delaware on MainStreet. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to successfully own and operate Cookie\u2019s Paper Petals, a beloved paper flower store.&nbsp;At WilmU, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management with a Business Administration concentration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe have faced numerous challenges, overcome obstacles, and pushed ourselves beyond what we thought was possible,\u201d Ms. Jackson said. \u201cWe have grown not only in knowledge but also in character. And now, as we step into the world beyond these walls, armed with the tools and experiences we have acquired, let\u2019s remind ourselves of the power that resides within every one of us.\u201d\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Wilmington-University-Dr.-Dike-1024x1024-1-480x480.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:180px;height:auto\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Dr<\/strong>. <strong>Cassandra Dike<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIn this room we are sitting among fellow graduates braced for the future,\u201d said Speaker <strong>Dr. Cassandra Dike <\/strong>during the College of Health Professions &amp; Natural Sciences ceremony.<strong> <\/strong>\u201cLook around and just be in awe of the knowledge in this room, of your future collaborators in creating a better future, perhaps a future politician, nurse executive, or dean sits among us. And know that with this education, we have the foundation to take initiative in our careers, forge an incredible future, and be a great partner to those on our teams.\u201d\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGraduating is not just about our career path or next academic pursuit; it is also the passport to the proverbial doors opening to the future. Take time to celebrate the adventure that is just beginning.\u201d\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wilmington University congratulates the Class of 2024 <\/strong>for their academic accomplishments and wishes them continued success as they embark on the next chapter of their lives and careers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery.kb-gallery-wrap-id-6465_98715d-ee{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-md, 2rem);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery .kb-gallery-type-grid.kb-gallery-id-6465_98715d-ee{margin:-5px;}.kb-gallery-type-grid.kb-gallery-id-6465_98715d-ee .kadence-blocks-gallery-item{padding:5px;}.kb-gallery-id-6465_98715d-ee .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kb-gal-image-radius, .kb-gallery-id-6465_98715d-ee .kb-slide-item .kb-gal-image-radius img{border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;;}.kb-gallery-id-6465_98715d-ee .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner .kadence-blocks-gallery-item__caption{color:#949494;}.kb-gallery-caption-style-cover-hover.kb-gallery-id-6465_98715d-ee .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner .kadence-blocks-gallery-item__caption, .kb-gallery-caption-style-below.kb-gallery-id-6465_98715d-ee .kadence-blocks-gallery-item .kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner .kadence-blocks-gallery-item__caption{background:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);}<\/style><div class=\"kb-gallery-wrap-id-6465_98715d-ee alignwide alignwide wp-block-kadence-advancedgallery\"><ul class=\"kb-gallery-ul kb-gallery-non-static kb-gallery-type-grid kb-gallery-id-6465_98715d-ee kb-gallery-caption-style-below kb-gallery-filter-none\" data-image-filter=\"none\" data-item-selector=\".kadence-blocks-gallery-item\" data-lightbox-caption=\"true\" data-columns-xxl=\"3\" data-columns-xl=\"3\" data-columns-md=\"3\" data-columns-sm=\"2\" data-columns-xs=\"1\" data-columns-ss=\"1\"><li class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure\" style=\"max-width:721px;\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\" style=\"max-width:721px;\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain kadence-blocks-gallery-intrinsic kb-gallery-image-ratio-inherit kb-has-image-ratio-inherit\" style=\"padding-bottom:66%;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/NZ8_6257-NEF_X-1024x682-1-721x480.jpg\" width=\"721\" height=\"480\" alt=\"\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/NZ8_6257-NEF_X-1024x682-1.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/NZ8_6257-NEF_X-1024x682-1.jpg\" data-id=\"13941\" class=\"wp-image-13941\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/NZ8_6257-NEF_X-1024x682-1-721x480.jpg 721w, https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/NZ8_6257-NEF_X-1024x682-1-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/NZ8_6257-NEF_X-1024x682-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/NZ8_6257-NEF_X-1024x682-1.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 721px) 100vw, 721px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/li><li class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure\" style=\"max-width:721px;\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\" style=\"max-width:721px;\"><div class=\"kb-gallery-image-contain kadence-blocks-gallery-intrinsic kb-gallery-image-ratio-inherit kb-has-image-ratio-inherit\" style=\"padding-bottom:66%;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/JH5_7960-1-1024x682-1-721x480.jpg\" width=\"721\" height=\"480\" alt=\"\" data-full-image=\"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/JH5_7960-1-1024x682-1.jpg\" data-light-image=\"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/JH5_7960-1-1024x682-1.jpg\" data-id=\"13940\" class=\"wp-image-13940\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/JH5_7960-1-1024x682-1-721x480.jpg 721w, https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/JH5_7960-1-1024x682-1-250x167.jpg 250w, https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/JH5_7960-1-1024x682-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.wilmu.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/JH5_7960-1-1024x682-1.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 721px) 100vw, 721px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/li><li class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item\"><div class=\"kadence-blocks-gallery-item-inner\"><figure class=\"kb-gallery-figure\" style=\"max-width:721px;\"><div class=\"kb-gal-image-radius\" style=\"max-width:721px;\"><div 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1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 721px) 100vw, 721px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/figure><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wilmington University celebrated its 53rd Commencement ceremonies on June 2-3, 2024, awarding more than 3,700 academic degrees at the Chase Center on the Riverfront 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