Meet the Class of 2017
More than 4,600 students will receive degrees as Emory celebrates its 172nd Commencement on Monday, May 8. Get to know these outstanding graduates who represent the spirit and achievement of each of the nine schools that make up Emory University.

Featured Stories »

Sociology, international studies major driven to explore identities
After researching media portrayals of black and white women for her honors thesis, Emory College Class of 2017 graduate Glory James is headed to law school.

Sudanese immigrant studies medicine to impact society
Born in conflict-torn Sudan, Lurit Bepo moved to the U.S. at age six. As an Emory medical student, she returned to the country to view the hardships faced by the state-run hospital, fueling her interest in health disparities.

Nursing student champions vulnerable populations
Kevin Currie's commitment to protecting the health and dignity of vulnerable populations shines through his work with the Veterans Affairs Nursing Academic Partnership and Emory programs dedicated to fostering diversity and leadership in the profession.

Doctoral student examines religious, spiritual aspects of addiction recovery
Having seen the destructiveness of addiction as a minister and in her own family, Katie Givens Kime focused her PhD research at the intersection of two of Emory's strengths: human health and religion.

Oxford College student combines intellect, humility, passion
As Muhammad Naveed heads to Emory's Atlanta campus to complete his degree, he brings a record of leadership as president of Oxford's Student Government Association.

Business student earns 4.0 GPA while balancing community service, varsity sports
A member of Emory's varsity cross country and track and field teams, Casey Rhode served as CEO of the Emory Impact Investing Group, a student organization that provides loans to entrepreneurs in economically disadvantaged areas.

For juris doctor student, 'outstanding' is a way of life
Marcus Sandifer, chosen by his peers as the "Most Outstanding" graduating JD student for the Class of 2017, attributes his success to his family, his professors and his desire always to do better for himself and others.

Here or a world away, public health student helps communities in need
Visiting her parents in Nepal when a massive earthquake struck, Iju Shakya immediately sought ways to help. After working with Atlanta's Bangladeshi community, she hopes to do community-driven public health work in South Asia.

Candler graduate heeds calling to serve across borders
Master of divinity student Ruth Ubaldo follows her faith to Texas, where she will direct a church community center created specifically by a mostly white congregation to build relationships with the Latino neighborhood next door.