CLA Commencement 2019 in Photos

A look back at a few of our favorite moments from the College of Liberal Arts’ 2019 commencement ceremony.

By Office of Marketing

May 17, 2019

Students in commencement attire carry banners which say 2019 on them.

Scott Cook

On Sunday, May 12, 2019 graduates of Rollins’ College of the Liberal Arts participated in the 129th commencement ceremony in the Harold & Ted Alfond Sports Center. The commencement address was delivered by Robiaun Rogers Charles ’94, vice president of college advancement at Agnes Scott College.

The ceremony honored the accomplishments of the graduates and esteemed faculty members. The following received special recognition at the ceremony.

Student Awards

General Charles McCormick Reeve Scholarship Awards

Lizzie Berry
Karly Bland
Gabbie Buendia
Tamer Elkhouly
Madison Jenkins
Catherine Linder

Algernon Sydney Sullivan Medallion

Ellie Rushing

Faculty Awards

Bornstein Award for Faculty Scholarship

Ashley Kistler, associate professor of anthropology

Cornell Distinguished Service Award

Alice Davidson, associate professor of psychology

Hugh F. McKean Award

Jana Mathews, associate professor of English

Sullivan Citizens Award

Lorrie Kyle, executive director, Office of the President

Students walk to the auditorium where commencement is being held. — Scott Cook

Students in commencement attire pose for a photo. — The class of 2019 valedictorians from left: Lizzie Berry, Karly Bland, Gabbie Buendia, Madison Jenkins, and Catherine Linder. | Scott Cook

Professors enter the auditorium. — Scott Cook

President Grant Cornwell addresses students. — President Grant Cornwell addresses the graduating CLA class of 2019. | Scott Cook

A professor hugs students before commencement. — Scott Cook

Students in the auditorium. — Scott Cook

President Cornwell greets a student and a guide dog. — Marissa Cobuzio ’19 spent the past year training her service dog, Ari, on campus as part of her Bonner Leaders project. | Scott Cook

A graduating student waves at the audience. — Scott Cook

Professors watch students graduate. — Scott Cook

President Emerita Rita Bornstein ’04H ’04HAL | Scott Cook

A student receives their diploma. — Scott Cook

A student receives a medal. — Scott Cook

A student celebrates graduating. — Scott Cook

Ellie Rushing ’19 received this year’s Algernon Sydney Sullivan medallion, an award presented to a graduating senior whose philosophies place the highest value upon service to others and the community. | Scott Cook

A student poses with their diploma. — Scott Cook

Students celebrate post-graduation. — Scott Cook

A student and their parent after graduation. — Scott Cook

Rollins Results

From our innovative curriculum to our commitment to career services, find out how Rollins prepares our graduates to lead meaningful lives and forge productive careers.
Find Out What It Means to be Rollins Ready

Recent Stories

August 11, 2026

Advice for Students During Critical First Weeks on Campus

Speaking with WESH 2, Micki Meyer, assistant vice president for student affairs at Rollins College, said the first six weeks of the academic year can have a lasting impact on a new student's success.

August 10, 2026

A Rollins Year in Photos

As we begin a new semester, let’s celebrate the people, traditions, and experiences that make Rollins special by looking back at some of our favorite moments from 2025-26.

August 04, 2026

Rollins Career & Life Planning Earns 2026 Professional Development Award

Rollins is one of just two Florida schools to earn the Professional Development Award from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC).