NEW ORLEANS – Twelve Privateers, spanning various sports and including graduate assistants from within the department, received their diplomas on Friday morning during the University of New Orleans' 2024 Fall Commencement ceremonies at Lakefront Arena.
"In my role, I have the opportunity to witness the ins and outs of each student's academic experience," said Associate AD for Student Services, Phillip Pinkston. "To see their efforts and accomplishments recognized and celebrated is truly a joy and I couldn't be more excited for this diverse group of graduates.
Three women's track and field student-athletes received their Masters degrees:
Irene Bonanomi (Chemistry),
Anna Martin (Business Administration) and
Alexandra Weir (Urban and Regional Planning).
Also, two graduate assistants also received their Masters degree: Bre'Shey Blanchard who works in academic services earned her Masters in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism. Polina Sleptsova, who operates rentals at the Privateer Tennis Center, received her degree in Business Administration.
Rita Zecchin, who played indoor and beach volleyball for the Privateers and was on the bench this fall as a graduate assistant, will receive her Masters in Business Administration.
Seven Privateer student-athletes received their Bachelors degrees.
David Tesic (Men's Tennis), Alexander Soileau (Track and Field),
Brianna Ellis (Women's Basketball),
Jayla Kimbrough (Women's Basketball),
Issac Williams (Baseball) and Hailey Roberts (Pom) all received their degrees.
Bo McCalebb, who still holds the Sun Belt record for career points scored, returned to finish his Bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies a curriculum he finished in the summer.
