2018 Student Athlete Recognition Night

The Department of Athletics celebrated the 2018 spring graduation of 87 student-athletes Wednesday evening, May 2 inside the Jerry and Gene Jones Family Student-Athlete Success Center. Each semester, the Office of Student-Athlete Success (OSAS) hosts the event that gives student-athletes, coaches, and staff the opportunity to reflect and celebrate on the achievements of the class.

Associate AD of Academic Services Dr. Charles Small emceed and provided the opening remarks before introducing the speakers for the night. Gymnastics graduate Braie Speed and track & field graduate Roy Ejiakeukwu were the featured senior speakers that delivered messages to their peers. Scott Varady, Executive Director of the Razorback Foundation, and Christine Scheets, Director of Educational Enrichment Services, also took time to speak to the students and staff, giving words of encouragement and highlighting the achievements of this year’s graduating class.

Each of the graduating student-athletes were presented with an official Razorback graduation stole with their sport and year of graduation. The stoles were purchased by the A Club, the official organization of former Razorback letter winners. Graduating student-athletes also received graduation plaques with an action photo and a place for their diploma.

Quotes from graduating seniors:

Rylee Robinson, W. Track & Field — “The Office of Student-Athlete Success was very welcoming and helpful with my journey to graduation. Everything that they did help make the student-athlete experience more enjoyable.”

Tyler Phillips, Football — “It was awesome being able to have somebody there to make sure that everything that needs to happen was taken care of. Whether it was choosing what class to take or making sure I completed assignments, the Office of Student-Athlete Success was always there.”

Leah MacMoyle, Gymnastics — “When I got here to the University of Arkansas I immediately felt the love and encouragement from everyone involved with athletics. The support that was given from both academics and student-athlete development helped me reach my goals as a student as well as helping me become a professional.”

Rubin Owens, M. Track & Field — “I feel like this staff is the definition of the word support. Being able to come in and have them ready to help you grow and develop academically and as a person is what makes being a Razorback special.”