University of Tennessee Athletics
TENNESSEE STUDENT-ATHLETES CONTINUE EXCELLENCE IN CLASSROOM
May 12, 2006 | General
May 12, 2006
Sixty-three current and former Vols and Lady Vols representing 15 sports graduated Friday from the University of Tennessee, continuing Tennessee's athletics commitment to excellence in the classroom. This group boasts 36 SEC honor roll and 53 Thornton Athletics Student Life Center honor roll recognitions.
Among the graduates is basketball standout Dane Bradshaw, who earned his bachelor's degree in three years. He plans to attend graduate school at UT next year.
Other graduates of note include three Vols who will be entering the NFL this year: Omar Gaither, who was drafted in the fifth round by Philadelphia; Jason Hall, who signed a free agent contract with the Buffalo Bills; and Chris Hannon, who signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. Three additional Vols who were drafted in the NFL draft in April -- Jason Allen, first round by Miami; Parys Haralson, fifth round by San Francisco; and Kevin Simon, seventh round by Washington -- already have graduated.
"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."
Also graduating Friday are two former student-athletes -- Buffalo Bills defensive back Jabari Greer and 1998 national championship football squad member Billy Ratliff -- who returned to the university to finish their degrees 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.
"Commencement is always the happiest moment for me as the Faculty Athletics Representative at Tennessee," said Todd Diacon, head of the history department and NCAA/SEC faculty rep. "At this ceremony, friends, families, coaches and counselors come together to celebrate the ultimate achievement at this university: graduation. I extend my warmest congratulations to this year's graduates."
2006 spring graduates, by sport:
Baseball
Rob Fitzgerald
Chris Kemp
Basketball - Men's
Stanley Asumnu
Dane Bradshaw
Jonah Cox
Football
Jon Catanzano
Jim Bob Cooter
Jake Finlayson
Ryan Fusco
Omar Gaither
Jason Hall
Chris Hannon
David Ligon
Lester Ransom
Nick Wilson
Casey Woods
Golf - Men's
Ross McGowan
Swimming & Diving - Men's
Brad Duryea
Josh Fulton
Tyler Gustafson
Tennis - Men's
Simon Rea
Mark Dietrich
Track & Field - Men's
Doug Brown
Ed Davis
Todd Jones
Matthew Lapp
Brian Mills
Tim Nguyen
Zach Sabatino
Kenny Schappert
Jim Sexton
Jeff Trembley
Josh Whisman
RAC
Jabari Greer
Billy Ratliff
Players Mentioned
