Fifty-seven current Vols and Lady Vols representing 11 sports are graduating from the University of Tennessee on Friday, continuing Tennessee’s athletics commitment to excellence in the classroom.

"I'm very proud of the students that are graduating this semester,” said Eric Brey director of the Thornton Center. “They have worked hard off the field to earn their degrees and now have earned the distinction of being University of Tennessee Alumni. They should be very proud of their accomplishments.”

Among the graduates are four members of the 2008 National Champion Lady Vols Basketball Team and current WNBA players Candace Parker, Nicky Anosike, Alexis Hornbuckle and Shannon Bobbitt.

"The graduating student-athletes take with them college degrees that prepare them for a life of learning and opportunities,” said Dr. Ruth Darling, assistant vice provost and student success center director. “They also take a set of skills they have acquired though their athletics participation that will contribute to their success in future careers and professions."

Also graduating Friday is Maurice Staley who returned to the university to finish his degree through the Thornton Center’s Renewing Academic Commitment program. The RAC program works with former student-athletes by assisting them with advice on remaining degree requirements, course scheduling, tutoring, employment and internships opportunities offered through the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program, as well as use of the Thornton Center for their everyday needs.

The 2008 Spring Commencement ceremonies begin Thursday, May 8 from 6-8, including musical performances by Ingram Hill.

Ceremonies for the various colleges begin Friday, May 9 at 9 a.m. at Thompson-Bowling Arena and the Knoxville Convention Center. Media interested in talking with any of the graduates are invited to attend the post-graduation reception for student-athletes, their families and coaches at the Thornton Center beginning at 11 a.m.

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2008 University of Tennessee Spring Graduates

Basketball – Men’s
Ryan Childress
Jordan Howell
Justin Jackson

Basketball – Women’s

Nicky Anosike
Shannon Bobbitt
Alexis Hornbuckle
Candace Parker

Football --

Johnny Cannon
Britton Colquitt
Antonio Gaines
David Holbert
Jarod Parrish
Randall Rogers

Maurice Staley – RAC program

Golf – Men’s

Charles Ford
Benjamin Spickard

Rowing --

Jessica Ayers
Nancy Brittle
Christina Dobratz
Kristen Galloway
Krista Gearing
Danielle Himielewski
Maris Mohan
Kendra Warren

Soccer --

Melissa Amado

Ali Christoph
Kristen Doukakis

Softball --

Megan Rhodes
Lee Ryan

Swimming & Diving – Men’s

Andrew Engle
Peter McVey
Christopher Wary
Travis Wright

Swimming & Diving – Women’s

Brooke Boncher
Victoria Linnell

Tennis – Men’s

Kiril Tcherveniachki

Track & Field – Men’s

Paul Cross
Kristopher Fant
Michael Hogue
Matthew Piccarello
Christopher Platt
Brent Smith
Rubin Williams
David Wooten

Track & Field – Women’s

Courtney Champion
Shanna Dickenson
Celriece Law
Latonya Loche
Carjay Lyles
Cleo Tyson

Volleyball --

Joselyn Johnson

Story Courtesy: TN Sports Information & Athletic Public Relations