Class Day Crossover honors outstanding seniors

By Michelle Ricker May 11, 2023

President Gregory L. Fenves leads a toast to the graduates.

Students share a Coke Toast, led by President Gregory L. Fenves.

Speaker Kal Penn shares remarks with the undergraduate Class of 2023.

Brit Katz award winner Jessi Arnidis (center).

Suad Mumin (left), Lightkeeper of Emory award winner.

Knights of Emory Spirit Award winners Elise Etrheim and Blake Miller.

Ashwattham Meenakumari Shankar (center), Goizueta School of Business Boisfeuillet Jones Award winner.

Jennifer Godoy Avila (center), Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing Boisfeuillet Jones Award winner.

Jack Miklaucic (left), Emory College of Arts and Sciences Boisfeuillet Jones Award winner.

Loved ones and community members cheered on the graduates as they prepared to cross into alumni status.

Students walk from the Emory Student Center to McDonough Field.

Students light their candles.

Students hold their lit candles during the Crossover.

Members of Emory’s undergraduate Class of 2023 gathered on May 4 for the annual Class Day Crossover, featuring a student reception, inspiring remarks from Emory leadership and a keynote speech by Kal Penn, actor and former White House staffer.

Several awards to students and staff were also presented during the event.

After the program, students processed in the Candlelight Crossover, a tradition that symbolizes undergraduate students officially “crossing over” into alumni status. Graduates were cheered on by faculty, staff and alumni as they walked from the Emory Student Center to McDonough Field, where they enjoyed a glow party and DJ.

The following awards were presented:

Lightkeeper of Emory

Suad Mumin, Emory College of Arts and Sciences

The Lightkeeper of Emory recognizes a senior who works to make the world a better place without seeking attention or accolades for their actions. The award, established by the Order of Ammon, was first given in 2019.

Brit Katz Senior Appreciation Award

Jessi Arnidis, Director of Development, Emory Athletics

Britton Katz, role model, leader and director of residence life, was recognized at the first Class Day celebration in 2003 for his devotion to Emory’s students. The Brit Katz Award is presented in his honor to an administrator or staff member for service as a role model and friend to the senior class, for participation in the Emory community beyond their professional duty, and who is deemed worthy of special recognition.

Boisfeuillet Jones Awards

Jack Miklaucic, Emory College of Arts and Sciences
Ashwattham Meenakumari Shankar, Goizueta School of Business
Jennifer Godoy Avila, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

These medals were established, designed and initially endowed by the D.V.S. Senior Society to honor Boisfeuillet Jones, a D.V.S. alumnus and one of Emory’s most prominent and distinguished graduates. Recipients are selected for their good citizenship, outstanding leadership, devoted service to Emory and the community, academic performance and potential to become a “change agent” in their chosen profession and society at large.

Knights of Emory Spirit Award

Elise Etrheim, Emory College of Arts and Sciences
Blake Miller, Emory College of Arts and Sciences

The Knights of Emory Spirit Awards, sponsored by the Paladin Society, recognize two outstanding seniors who are unsung heroes/heroines. Students selected for this honor have made great contributions to the university and promote Emory spirit with passion and selflessness.

Complete coverage of Commencement 2023

Emory University Commencement on May 8 celebrated the spirit, resolve and extraordinary accomplishments of the Class of 2023. View comprehensive coverage, including keynote speaker Anthony Ray Hinton, video highlights, photo galleries and profiles of outstanding graduates and award recipients.

Photos by Kay Hinton, Emory Photo/Video.

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