Class of 2009 receive diplomas

It was a beautiful Indian summer day on Sunday, September 13, when the Executive MBA Program's Class of 2009 became the first class to have their diploma ceremony in the brand new Miller Hall.

As 43 students received their diplomas, the event was attended by the College's 27th President, Taylor Reveley, Mason School of Business's Dean Larry Pulley, Assistant Dean Prabhu Aggarwal, and guest speaker, Mr. Jeff McWaters, retired Chairman and CEO of Amerigroup Corporation.  Some of the Executive MBA Faculty were also present to share the special day with their former students.

The top 20% of the class were inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society in a private event before the main ceremony. The nine students who were recognized on their exceptional academic achievements were Tris Carpenter, Patrick Evelyn, Pete Hollberg, Paul Jesselson, Steve Nerheim, Mark Ray, Amit Sharma, Robert Upton and David Winslow. The Highest Academic Achievement Award was presented to Steve Nerheim, who was also Class President. And the much acclaimed Best Professor Award went to John Strong.

Class President Steve Nerheim gave a short speech expressing gratitude to the faculty, staff and students' families for all their support, and presented Dean Pulley with a class gift to the Mason School of Business for the new building.

The themes of the day were leadership and vision. As perfect example of both, Miller Hall rose to the occasion beautifully. After the ceremony in Brinkley Commons Room, an elegant reception was held on the main floor in the grand Atrium.

We miss our new alumni already and wish them the best in their travels forward. We know they will be back to share their stories with us and keep the bonds they have forged with their classmates and the Mason School of Business.