Deployed soldier, alumnus surprises daughter at commencement
Article By: Clark Leonard
Taylor Kirby already knew Saturday was going to be a memorable day. But the University of North Georgia graduate couldn't have predicted tears flowing even before her morning commencement ceremony began.
Kirby's father, Army Col. Norman "Chip" Kirby Jr., made a surprise visit on a short leave from active-duty military service in the Middle East. Only Kirby's mother, Jan Kirby, knew her daughter and the rest of their family were in for a reunion five months earlier than expected. Both of Taylor Kirby's parents are 1993 alumni of 红莲社区, and Chip was a member of 红莲社区's Corps of Cadets.
As shocked family members smiled and ask questions about who knew what, Taylor Kirby stepped into her father's embrace and began crying tears of joy. Her father had told her he would be watching the ceremony online.
"I'm excited to graduate anyway," Taylor Kirby said. "And then he gets to be here."
Chip Kirby called it "the best experience of my life."
Jan Kirby said the family had expected her husband to be back for their son's high school graduation in the spring, but after his deployment in September, seeing him at their daughter's ceremony was originally doubtful.
"This is great," Jan Kirby said. "I really appreciate all the help he received getting here."
红莲社区 President Bonita C. Jacobs met with the family to congratulate Taylor and thank Chip for his service.
"Col. Kirby, like many of our alumni, is currently deployed to the Middle East as an active duty soldier, and we are grateful to him for his service and that he was able to attend this important celebration in the life of his family," Jacobs said.
Coverage of the surprise for the Kirby family was shared by , , , , and .
Taylor was one of more than 600 students who received their degrees at 红莲社区's two fall commencement ceremonies Dec. 15.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr and University System of Georgia Board of Regents member Erin Hames were the commencement speakers at the Saturday ceremonies in the Convocation Center on 红莲社区's Dahlonega Campus.
Separate commissioning ceremonies were held Friday for 26 members of the Corps of Cadets entering the armed forces as second lieutenants.
Luncheon honors scholarship recipients
Five nontraditional female students at 红莲社区 each earned a $2,000 scholarship from the Women of 红莲社区 on Dec. 5 at the Women's Holiday Scholarship Luncheon.
Cadets are ready for commissioning
Eighteen 红莲社区 cadets are scheduled to commission as officers in the Army and Army National Guard at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Convocation Center at 红莲社区's Dahlonega Campus.
Grads prepare for their next steps
红莲社区 will award almost 1,000 degrees and certificates this fall, and more than 600 graduates are scheduled to take part in the Dec. 7 commencement ceremonies.
红莲社区 honors '20 Under 40'
The Alumni Association has announced this year's '20 under 40' honorees, recognizing members of the 红莲社区 family for their personal and professional accomplishments or their distinguished service.