“Embrace the Pivot”: Wake Forest SPS’s Inaugural Hooding Ceremony 

On May 18th, Wake Forest School of Professional Studies faculty, staff, advisory board members, students, and their loved ones, gathered at Wait Chapel in Winston-Salem to recognize the accomplishments of the 45 graduates who completed their masters degree this past year and 10 who completed their graduate certificates.  

While this is a monumental occasion for the graduates, it was also a special occasion for the School of Professional Studies and Wake Forest University as a whole.

Dr. Susan R. Wente, University President, noted in her comments to the graduating class, “In the long life of an intuition like Wake Forest, who in just 10 years will be 200 years old in 2034, it is a rare occasion and a privilege to celebrate a first. So I am incredibly honored to be here on this tremendous milestone in the School of Professional Studies first graduate hooding ceremony!”

These graduates of this inaugural ceremony came from all walks of life across 13 states in the US and Canada. They came from different professions and different stages of life, yet they all pursued a similar goal of achieving the next step in their career. 

For those who were unable to attend (or want to relive the amazing experience!)Here’s a recap of the monumental day. You can also watch a recording of the ceremony here.

Pivoting with Portia Mount

An alumni of Wake Forest’s MBA program, Portia Mount now serves as a member of the Program Advisory Board for the Master of Communications program. It was our honor to also have Portia as the guest speaker for the Hooding Ceremony. 

She delivered a message to graduates about the importance of embracing the changes life throws at you, and how to use these pivots to deepen your impact on the world: 

“Whether you recognize it or not, you are in a pivotal moment. When you committed to your program you made a pivot. Maybe you were looking to change careers.  Maybe you were looking to make yourself more marketable. Perhaps you didn’t really know what you wanted, but you needed to start somewhere and so you thought, ‘Why not?’

Sometimes life circumstances will force us to change. Sometimes we are moved to a point where the status quo is no longer acceptable. Life is an unpredictable voyage, filled with opportunities for transformation.”

Portia also gave some insight into her own personal and professional pivots, including being passed over for a promotion, making a major industry change, and having her position eliminated:

“I knew right away it was time to bet on myself.  It was time to fulfill a dream that had been swirling around in the back of my mind for more than five years.  I had been running my side hustle for a few years at that point and I had 25 years of experience behind me.  I can do this. 

Time to launch my own company– full time. All in. No safety net. Embrace the pivot.  Embrace the plot twist.” 

To conclude, she encouraged graduates to consider how they might deepen their purpose and enhance their impact as they contemplate potential pivots:  

“As you move forward, remember: your career is not just a ladder to climb, but a landscape to explore. It’s not just about titles and achievement for the sake of having more.  Each pivot, each choice to engage deeply with your work, your family— yourself is a step toward not just success, but significance and impact.”

Meet the 2024 Graduating Class of Wake Forest SPS 

After the ceremony, graduates and their families gathered at Reynolda Hall to continue celebrating and reflecting on their time at Wake Forest SPS. 

“I could not have done it without my family. It takes a whole village, even those in my cohort. It takes a village.” – Angelia Futrell, Master of Project Management graduate

“This program has meant a lot to me. It’s been a journey of growth, and it’s provided me with new horizons.” – Max Fox, Master of Digital Marketing graduate 

“I loved the program. We had some of the best possible professors that you could imagine. We are able to get in there, learn what we need to learn, apply it on a daily basis, and now we get to celebrate with each other and our families.” – Holden Sprague, Master of Project Management graduate 

“I discovered a passion for bridging healthcare and technology. The Health Informatics program and professors helped shape my career path, equipped me with relevant skills, and fueled my passion for transforming healthcare.” – Hope Mills, Master of Health Informatics graduate 

“The faculty was awesome, and the program was outstanding. I was able to get through it because it’s so feasible to work while you’re an adult who’s also balancing work and family.” – Tonya Summey, Master of Project Management graduate

Master of Project Management Graduates 

Congratulations to the following graduates from the Master of Project Management program:

Marcus Rashad Brown
Joseph Michael Burroughs
Siclinda Canty-Elliott
Christian Carr
Jackie Scott Elliott
Angelia Vernice Futrell
John Compton Gladman
Devonta Imonty Haney
Nicholas Andrew Helbig
Sydni Jenee Hill
Michael Jeffrey Kern
Alexandra Nicole Kirby
Alice Swindell Mitchell
Mark A Klamerus
Michael Augustine Powers
Robert A. Thigpen
Holden William Sprague
Tonya Renatta Summey
Keenen Deion Walker
Elayna Shene Wilson

Master of Digital Marketing Graduates 

Congratulations to the following graduates from the Master of Digital Marketing program:

Brianna Janaé Briggs
Chase Andrew Caples
Alison Lynne Chambers
Caroline Shim Combs
Sherri Farmer
Max Philip Leaman Fox
Anthony Pete Gonzalez-Holling
Molly J Hammonds
Jiangmiao Hao
Nicholas Honeycutt
Jacob David Isley
Rebeca Maria Johnson
Angela Knipp
Stephanie May Muscat
Rebecca Leigh Nadolne
Madison Elizabeth Peppard
Anna Elizabeth Pollock
David Kyle Williams

Master of Financial Technology & Analytics Graduates 

Congratulations to the following graduates from the Master of Financial Technology & Analytics program:

Thomas Matthew Berry
Mark Christopher Darling
Chase D Jones
Cristian Magana
Ayush Rakesh Patel

Master of Health Informatics Graduates 

Congratulations to the following graduates from the Master of Health Informatics program:

Hope Mills
Scott Austin Wells

Once a Demon Deacon, Always a Demon Deacon 

To close out the ceremony, Wake Forest SPS Dean Charles Iacovou, Ph.D shared a parting message of gratitude with the graduates: 

“As we conclude our inaugural hooding celebration, I would like to once again extend my congratulations to all of our graduates. We know that you have worked hard to become the professional, impactful, honorable, and global leaders you are today, and we are so excited for you to continue to make a difference in the world. 

We hope to stay connected with you, our newest alumni, and invite you to reconnect with us as often as possible. Wake Forest will always be a home to you, and you are always welcome here.”

Alumni of the Wake Forest School of Professional Studies are welcome and encouraged to stay connected to SPS. We want to remain a resource for you as you move forward in your career. You’re welcome to attend open events such as Wake360 and take advantage of the opportunity to network with current students and faculty. You’re also welcome to continue using resources available in the Pearl Cafe. For access, email spshelp@wfu.edu. 

If you have any exciting news to share, we want to hear it! Email stuserv@wfu.edu with any major career updates or milestones.