Celebrating Achievement: UNC Charlotte’s Inaugural Summer Commencement
On Aug. 9, Charlotte held its inaugural summer commencement in the Dale F. Halton Arena. More than 1,000 degrees were awarded, including over 300 doctoral degrees, master’s degrees and graduate certificates.
We are proud of our graduates as they embark on their professional journeys toward achieving great things. Here are a few of our now-alumni who have made positive contributions and will continue to make significant progress in their communities:
Pennda Arami – M.S. in Criminal Justice & M.A. in Ethics and Applied Philosophy
Pennda Arami had the honor of serving as the bell ringer for this commencement season. She graduated with dual master’s degrees: a master of arts in ethics and applied philosophy and a master of science in criminal justice. In addition to her academic achievements, Arami is an active member of the Black Organization Alliance Board, the Muslim Students Association, United Muslim Relief, and the Earth Club, among others. She also worked as a graduate teaching assistant at the University Center for Academic Excellence (UCAE), where she led the Peer Mentor Program.
On the big day, Arami proudly rang the bell as a representative of the 49ers spirit within organizations, volunteerism and/or service to others. She leaves Charlotte with leadership prowess and encourages students to strive for academic opportunities, as it is a transformative tool.
Davey Sides – M.S. in Construction and Facilities Engineering
Davey Sides proudly walked across the stage to receive his master’s degree in construction and facilities engineering, a field that fuels his passion for facilities management. From a young age, he developed a strong interest in machinery and the complexities of manufacturing systems, largely influenced by his father, a quality engineer. With the steadfast support of his family and the William States Lee College of Engineering, he is determined to excel in the growing engineering industry in Charlotte.
During his undergraduate studies, Sides secured an internship at Bosch USA, a position he obtained thanks to his grandmother’s research for job opportunities. This internship turned into a full-time role after graduation. As he progressed in his career, he often reflected on his time at UNC Charlotte, which reinforced his career aspirations. The vibrant campus life and excellent professors played a significant role in his decision to pursue a master’s degree. Coming from a family of UNC Charlotte alumni, Sides felt a strong motivation to pursue his engineering ambitions, nurtured by the faculty in Charlotte as he strives for greater heights.
Sri Yeswanth “Yash” Tadimalla – Ph.D. in Software Information Systems & Sociology
Sri Yeswanth “Yash” Tadimalla graduated with a Ph.D. in Software Information Systems and Sociology. Tadimalla has understood from an early age that technology can be not only entertaining but also a significant tool for improving lives in ways that were previously unimaginable. Now, he aims to create a roadmap that explains the various drivers of the current AI landscape through the concepts of a human-AI interaction “ecosystem” and “AI Identity,” which are shaped by societal ideas and priorities regarding technology development and design philosophies
To pursue his aspirations, Tadimalla decided to obtain his master’s degree at the College of Computing and Informatics before embarking on a career as a tech entrepreneur. He recognized that studying overseas was the best way to expand his horizons and gain the broader experience necessary to follow his dreams. Once on campus, Tadimalla did not hesitate to take on every opportunity available. While becoming actively involved in graduate organizations, such as the Graduate and Professional Student Government, he was unaware of the immense opportunities—beyond just financial gains—that his mentors would help him achieve.
Now, Tadimalla leaves Charlotte with not only a Ph.D. degree but also the knowledge that this university and its community have helped him grow into the leader he has always aspired to be—a leader committed to leaving the world better than he found it.
Thai Ray Williams – Ph.D. in Special Education
Driven to exceed all expectations as a 32-year classroom teacher, Thai Ray Williams has now graduated from Cato College of Education with a Ph.D. in Special Education and will embark her journey as faculty at Utah State University.
Williams was a special academic curriculum teacher in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools when she was asked to be an interventionist for research led by previous students in this very Ph.D. program. Due to her experience with special education students with extensive support needs, a population that is historically underrepresented in terms of research, this opportunity showed her what was possible in her field and built bridges between her and the department that ultimately inspired her to pursue her M.Ed. at East Tennessee State University.
However, that was just not the end of the road for Williams. Both her mentors, who are UNC Charlotte graduates, encouraged her to pursue her doctorate. Inspired by the strong support system evident among Cato’s students, Williams took the initiative and has now graduated. As she begins this new chapter in her career, she feels well-prepared, as her time at Charlotte fulfilled all of her hopes and expectations.