On May 4, 419 new graduates became part of the Queens alumni family as they received their diplomas on the stage of Hall Brown Terrace. Despite the downpour, it remained a joyous occasion for the graduates, many of whom had to pivot to virtual learning in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Sam McMahon, President Lugo and Carolyn McMahon
This year, Ryan Byrd ’24 and Eleanor Williamson ’24, received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards. These annual awards for excellence and character have been presented each year since 1948 and are given to students from the graduating class. The community recipients were Carolyn and Sam McMahon. The McMahons were honored for their lifetime commitment to education, their exemplary leadership, and dedication to improving and enriching the lives of our students and others throughout the world.
Sarah Fatherly, Ph.D., provost and vice president of academic affairs for Queens University of Charlotte, presented the Hunter-Hamilton Love of Teaching Award to April Sipprell, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Mayor Vi Lyles ’73 gave the keynote speech during commencement.
In her keynote speech, Mayor Vi Lyles ’73 recognized the recent loss of four law enforcement officers and asked the Queens community to join her in a moment of silence. She also provided words of wisdom and encouraged graduates to make a difference in the lives of others and never quit.
Seniors received philanthropy cords for contributing to the Queens Fund.
The Senior Class Gives Back
Congratulations to the Class of 2024, for achieving 32% participation in their Senior Class Gift campaign. Their contributions to the Queens Fund will have a lasting impact on the campus they love. This campaign has helped shape the next generation of well-rounded citizens who will continue to make a difference in their communities.
Thanks to alumni like you, Queens can provide a transformative education for current and future students. Whether you are passionate about academic programs, access and affordability, enhancing the Queens experience, or simply want to make a difference at your alma mater, a gift to the Queens Fund supports all areas of campus. Make a gift before June 30 so Royals rise.
Eric Dolan ’16, Jocelyn (Kellinger) Dolan ’14 and their son Rory
Queens Experience Shapes the Lives of Alumni Couple
Jocelyn (Kellinger) ’14 and Eric Dolan ’16 were both athletes when they met at Queens. Jocelyn, a nursing student who played volleyball, and Eric, an accounting major who played lacrosse, developed a friendship that blossomed into romance. After establishing themselves in their careers, they got married. While Eric has served as a Captain in the Marines, the Dolans have traveled the world and will return to the state in which they met this summer. Read the full story.
Angela Tsuei-Strause MS’17 is the executive director of the Vandiver Center at Queens.
A Queens Alum’s Inspiring Journey Fuels Success of the Vandiver Center for Career Development
Under the leadership of Angela Tsuei-Strause MS’17, The Vandiver Center for Career Development (VCCD) has seen an incredible transformation over the years. Based on the 2023 First Destination Report, 97% of graduates are employed, in graduate school, completing and internship or working for a service organization.
Raised by immigrant parents, Tsuei-Strause can relate to the challenges faced by students who may not have professional connections or understand how to navigate the workplace and has created impactful development programs alongside her team. For the upcoming academic year, Tsuei-Strause will serve as the advisor of the newly resurrected Asian American Pacific Islander student group by student Tina Nguyen.
Bridge to Paris 2024 receives a new challenge
There are just 11 days left to give to the Queens in Paris 2024 experience and we’ve received a new challenge! The Charles and Jane Hadley International Enrichment Fund will match $1 per $1 donated up to $3,000.
Your generous gift will allow 29 Queens students to:
*Enhance skills outside of the classroom.
*Achieve a lifelong dream of an international adventure.
*Build intercultural awareness through this immersive assignment.
Davies Fellow becomes the first student at Queens to receive the Projects for Peace grant
During a border immersion trip to Venezuela last year, Maggie Dineen ’24, was inspired to tell the stories of immigration and human migration. She began working on a proposal for Projects for Peace, a global program that issues $10,000 grants to primarily undergraduate college students. Dineen’s vision came to life after finding out that she had won the award. Read the full story.
Upcoming Alumni Events
The Charlotte Alumni Chapter invites you to Queens Alumni Night at Truist Field!
Talent & Organization Development Mini-Conference: Coaching in Organizations
This year’s Mini-Conference, offered by the McColl School of Business, explores Coaching in Organizations with multiple sessions that address coaching from an interpersonal to an organizational level. Interactive sessions led by coaching professionals and experts.
Queens is pleased to offer the Human Resources (HR) Leadership Summit for professionals seeking to effectively lead business change in the face of today’s complex challenges. The HR Leadership Summit speakers focus on key emerging trends relevant to a variety of industries, organizations and leaders.