Austin William Lubkemann and Samantha J. Malone, two seniors graduating with University Honors spoke at Appalachian State University's Spring 2019 Commencement.
Austin William Lubkemann, of Boone, is graduating with university and departmental honors, earning a B.S. in exercise science with a concentration in clinical exercise physiology, as well as minors in biology and chemistry. As an undergraduate, he served as an Appalachian Student Ambassador, volunteered for University Athletics, and coached and mentored multiple teams for the High Country Soccer Association. Additionally, he served as an undergraduate research assistant for Appalachian’s Vascular Biology and Autonomic Studies Laboratory under the direction of his mentor, Dr. Scott Collier. During summer 2018, he interned at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine in the field of maternal-fetal medicine, completing a research study examining congenital cardiac defect mechanisms that was selected for publication and presentation by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in February. He will attend medical school in the fall.
Samantha J. Malone, of Cary, is graduating from Appalachian with university honors, receiving her B.A. in biology with a minor in chemistry. During her time at Appalachian, she has been involved with several local service organizations: She has worked with the Community Care Clinic as an intake volunteer and has served as a mentor to a local middle school student through Western Youth Network. Additionally, she has worked as an organic chemistry research assistant under the guidance of Dr. Nicholas Shaw and recently defended her Honors thesis titled “Nano-Reactor-Facilitated Synthesis of Dipeptides.” She has been an active member of Phi Chi Pre-Medical Honors Society and plans to apply to medical school after graduating, pursuing either a Doctor of Medicine or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Eventually, she hopes to return to Appalachia as a primary care physician and work with medically underserved communities.
Malone shared the text of her speech with the Honors College. In it she emphaised the mission of service, key Honors education at Appalachian State University. In her words, she shared
"As you each venture out into the world, I’d like to pose a new challenge: wherever you go, whatever you do, I want you to find a way to be of service to your community. We have been
privileged with making Boone, North Carolina, this little town nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, and with some of the most incredible scenery in our country, our home. Beyond our campus, Boone is also home to a community with its own unique history and culture – a community that has traditionally faced many hardships."
Top photo features Austin Lubkemann speaking at the Honors College Graduation Ceremony on May 10th, 2019 at the Plemmons Student Union.
Top photo shows Samantha Malone speaking at the Honors College Graduation Ceremony on May 10th, 2019 at the Plemmons Student Union.
For the full story on Appalachian's Spring 2019 Commencement, click here for the story from Applachian Today.
