Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College celebrated graduates who earned their degrees in the commencement ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 12.

The ceremony honored graduates from the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Stafford School of Business.

“Graduation is a moment of joy, reflection, and anticipation,” said ABAC President Tracy Brundage. “It marks the culmination of countless hours of hard work, determination, and sacrifice. As you embark on this new chapter, I encourage you to dream boldly, act with purpose, and always strive to leave the world a little better than you found it.”

Tom McCall, President of Georgia Farm Bureau and ABAC alum, was the commencement speaker.

“There are a few things I want to tell you,” he said. “Never forget where you came from. When you embrace your future success, do it with humility and do it with purpose. And remember to be yourself. No matter how far you go or how far you rise, always look back and reflect on where you started. Your roots, espcially the roots you grew at ABAC, will keep you grounded and humble and your dreams and ambitions will push you as far as you want to go.”

Patrick Towns Ethredge, a horticulture business management major from Ailey, received the prestigious David and Kim Bridges Award during the commencement ceremony.

Dr. David Bridges was the longest-serving president in the history of ABAC. He retired on July 31, 2022 after more than 16 years as ABAC’s chief executive. He and his wife, Kim, are both ABAC alumni. The Bridges Award is presented in recognition of scholarship, leadership, and citizenship to a graduate receiving a four-year degree from ABAC.

Ethredge was active with the Horticulture Club, the Turf Club, the Agronomy Club, and the Red Door College Ministry with Tifton’s First Baptist Church. He assisted with Stallion Days, An Evening for ABAC, and both the Board of Regents meeting and President Brundage’s Investiture ceremony last fall. For these events, he designed and implemented large floral installations. He also worked at the UGA Tifton Entomology Research Station and was the first ABAC student to earn a coveted internship at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences held its pinning ceremony after commencement and honored several graduates with awards. Casey Harrison from Tifton received the Clinical Excellence Award sponsored by Tift Regional Medical Center; the Academic Excellence Award, sponsored by Colquitt Regional Medical Center, was awarded to Brenda Guerrero from Wray; and Emily Everson of Edison received the Dedication to Nursing Award, sponsored by South Georgia Medical Center.

The Lisa Purvis Allison Spirit of Nursing Award was awarded to Martin Fernandez of Norman Park (BSN), Madison Riggins of Concord (ASN – Tifton), and Stephanie Garcia of Pelham (ASN – Bainbridge).

Melissa Pierzchajlo, President of the ABAC Alumni Association, also inducted the graduates into the association.