Student-Athlete Graduation Ceremony

The Department of Athletics celebrated the 2017 fall graduation of 36 student-athletes Wednesday night inside the Jerry and Gene Jones Student-Athlete Success Center. Each semester, OSAS holds the event that gives student-athletes, coaches, and staff the opportunity to reflect and celebrate on the achievements of the class.

Assistant AD of Academic Services Dr. Charles Small emceed and provided the opening remarks before a trio of current and former student-athletes delivered messages to their peers. Football graduate Joshua Liddell, volleyball graduate Kori Ortiz, and former All-SEC track decathlete Terry Prentice (2009-12) and Associate Director of the Razorback Foundation were the featured speakers.

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. Below are a few quotes from the graduating seniors:

“Through my experience here at the University of Arkansas, I have grown and developed into someone I never thought I could be. Through adversity, I have learned what is has meant to be true to who you are. Receiving my stole, it was the perfect ending to a wonderful journey.” – Kori Ortiz, Volleyball

“My experience here at the University of Arkansas was very special. It really means a lot to me graduating as a Razorback. I have learned so much and I

feel so blessed to be part of this program. Receiving this stole was an exciting and perfect ending of this journey.” – Pilar Victoria, Volleyball

“My experience here at the University of Arkansas has been one to remember. I have truly grown as a man and developed the tools to be successful in life. The lessons I have learned and the friends and brothers I became close with will never be forgotten. I can’t give enough thanks to the University of Arkansas and everything that it has given to me.” – Santos Ramirez, Football

“My experience here has been one that I will remember for the rest of my life. The friends, family, and support staff that I have surrounded myself with here has helped me get to this point in my life. I couldn’t ask for a better college experience.” – Karl Roesler, Football