Chowan University’s 165th graduation commencement ceremony in the Helms Center on May 11 featured a keynote address by and honorary doctorate conferral to the U.S. Senator for North Carolina, Richard Burr.

The day saw 147 degrees conferred to a range of Bachelor of Art, Bachelor of Science and Master degrees candidates.

Among the local students receiving degrees in the ceremony were the following:

• Terese Elam of Windsor graduated magna cum laude and on the president’s list with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education.
• David Gill of Carrollton graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies.
• Holly Harcum of Suffolk graduated on the dean’s list with a Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies.
• Amy Joyner of Suffolk graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice corrections.
• Jazlynn Lewis of Suffolk graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice law enforcement.
• Jasmine McDonald of Suffolk graduated cum laude and on the president’s list with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. She received this year’s Dr. Charles Bentley Outstanding Teacher Education Student Award.
• Shelby Pendleton of Suffolk graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She received this year’s Alpha Mu Gamma Foreign Language Award.
• Sally Rensch of Carrsville graduated magna cum laude and on the president’s list with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education.
• Scott Van Eck of Windsor graduated magna cum laude and on the dean’s list with a Bachelor of Science degree in graphic design. He received this year’s Outstanding Graduate in Graphic Design Award.