VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University students reached a new milestone in their lives as they crossed the stage Saturday evening. 

Hundreds of undergraduates participated in the fall commencement ceremony on the VSU front lawn, including Tessa Welch.

Welch was the banner carrier for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences with a 3.89 grade point average. She received a bachelor of science in nursing. The Homerville native finished her degree in three years. 

“I’m both nervous and excited, but I’ve waited for this day for a very long, long time; and I feel like it’s earned. I worked really hard for it,” Welch said.

She plans to work in a surgical intensive care unit, seek a master of science in nursing and obtain a family nurse practitioner license.

She said her experience at VSU was excellent, noting the faculty and staff were helpful and supportive.

Suvi Savolainen also graduated Saturday and was the banner carrier for the College of Business Administration. The Finland native had a 4.0 GPA.

It took her three and a half years to work toward a bachelor’s in business administration in finance and economics.

Savolainen said she has plans to work for a finance-management company post-graduation.

“I’m moving back to Finland, and I’m starting a job in January; and then I’m applying to grad school in the fall,” she said.

There were six recipients of the President’s Award for Academic Excellence, including Welch and Savolainen. Others included Macy Seymour, Caylor Mark, Thibault Deneve and Anna Holton. 

Former VSU graduate and retired NFL player Jessie Tuggle was the keynote speaker during the commencement.

Tuggle expressed how being a Blazer changed his life, and he encouraged the undergraduates to set goals and accomplish them.

“Graduates, when you came here as a freshman, you heard a lot about the future. After tonight, you’re in it. Don’t be afraid, embrace the moment.

“You’re well-equipped to take on the challenges; and whatever you choose to do as you enter the next phase of your life, just don’t forget about what got you here. Always believe in yourself and your abilities,” Tuggle said.

The commencement ceremony ended with a fireworks show. 

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.