The students in our Class of 2025 hype video are more than just scholars. They represent the varied backgrounds, passions, and motivations of UNC Greensboro’s student body. Think you can’t relate? Think again.
Meet an online student and a student government vice president, a parent and a teenager, an international student and a frat boy, a scientist and a UNCG staff member, a doctor, a master, and an advisor – all within this group of three impressive graduates set to cross the stage at this year’s commencement.
Samy Reza Mendoza
The young student leader determined to pay forward the opportunities he found at UNCG.
Hometown: Faison, NC
Double Major: Human Development and Family Studies and Communication Studies
Why UNCG? The diverse culture, affordability, and student experience.
Uniquely Samy: I was 16 years old when I arrived at UNCG after attending anearly college. I’m one of the youngest graduates at 19 years old!
Samy’s Spartan Experience: Guarantee Scholar, SGA Vice President, SOAR Orientation Leader, Pi Kappa Phi, University Marshal
Who Lights Your Way at UNCG? Marisa Gonzalez and Margarita Kerkado. These two individuals have supported me throughout all the stages at UNCG. They pushed me out of my shell and saw so much potential in me. ¡Gracias, por todo Marisa y Margarita!
UNCG Discovery: I found my love for education equity and supporting students in obtaining a higher education specifically in rural communities.
Post Grad Plans: I will return to my hometown to serve as a full-time college advisor at Hobbton High School through the Duke Advising Corps.
Grad Party Plans: I will be having a graduation dinner with my immediate family after commencement and then head to the Outer Banks with my Pi Kappa Phi brothers for our formal.
Advice: Try something new alone! You would be surprised at the endless friends, opportunities, and experiences you will gain from taking a risk!
Morgan Glover
The UNCG staff member carving out time in her busy life to learn to better protect our planet.
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
Major: Master’s in Sustainability and Environment
Uniquely Morgan: I graduated from Campbell University in 2003 with a degree in mass communications. After beginning a career in journalism, I have worked at UNCG in the University Communications department for almost a decade, leading the social media strategy.
Why UNCG? I’ve had a passion for sustainability and always wanted to study it formally and work in the field professionally. UNCG began offering an online master’s program in sustainability and environment in 2020, which gave me the option to take courses while working full time. The program is flexible and accessible to students from various academic and professional backgrounds.
UNCG Discovery: One of my favorite classes was an experiential summer course led by Dr. Sarah Praskievicz. Paddling parts of the Cape Fear River watershed with my classmates gave me an opportunity to connect in person with peers while learning about the physical and human geography of the largest river system in North Carolina. Those of us who took the course keep in touch and the experience inspired me to engage in watershed protection.
Who Lights Your Way at UNCG? Three people come to mind. Dr. Aaron Allen, the program’s director, helped me navigate the administrative side of things. Dr. Etsuko Kinefuchi, who chaired my thesis committee, calmly kept me on track during perhaps one of the most intellectually laborious endeavors of my life. Sean MacInnes, UNCG’s sustainability specialist, was a voice of support during my final project, which I really appreciate.
Post Grad Plans: For now, I plan to continue in my position, incorporating sustainability principles into my professional work at UNCG. With school behind me, I’ll have more time to volunteer with relevant projects and network in the community.
Grad Party Plans: I’ve watched thousands of UNCG graduates cross the stage at commencement over the years. This year, I will attend the ceremony with my family and experience the excitement and sense of accomplishment for myself.
Advice: Meditate daily. This helped me handle the demands of work, family, and school as I pursued my degree over a 4-year period.
Ndepana Andrew
The international student who found a community at UNCG to help her develop solutions for a global energy crisis.
Hometown: Yola, Nigeria
Major: PhD in Nanoscience with a material science concentration
Uniquely Ndepana: I found my way here after majoring in Industrial Chemistry at Modibbo Adama University in my hometown in Nigeria and then getting my master’s in Physical Chemistry in Beijing, China at University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Why UNCG? The community, location, and the mix of engineering and science I found at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN).
UNCG Discovery: My research is developing a new energy storage system, or biobattery, made from living organisms. This biohybrid device would be made from microorganisms such as bacteria and store charges for long periods of time. On a personal note, I have discovered here that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.
Who Lights Your Way at UNCG? My academic advisor, Dr. Hemali Rathnayake, has given me unwavering support and mentorship throughout the four years of my PhD program. JSNN provides a research environment that has enabled my success and growth. Lastly, the Greensboro community and its wonderful people have supported me in so many ways.
Private vs. Academic Career Goals: Opportunity is what I’m looking for. When opportunity aligns with my goals and what I can contribute, then why not? It’s about how I can give back and how I can learn and grow in the process.
Grad Party Plans: I will celebrate my graduation by getting together with my husband and friends who have become my family in Greensboro.
Advice: Stay focused and determined to achieve your goals, don’t be distracted, and make good networks while you study.
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications.
Video by David Lee Row. Photos by Sean Norona and David Lee Row, University Communications.
CELEBRATE OUR GRADS!
Graduates and their families are encouraged to share their accomplishments on social media by tagging the University accounts and using the hashtag #UNCGGrad. Visit UNCG’s digital swag page for Commencement-themed graphics and templates.
Mention @UNCG in celebratory posts on Instagram and X and @uncgreensboro on TikTok.
