Exterior of Nancy Nicholas Hall in the evening, with lamps and windows glowing.
News & Events

Two December grads lead by example

Two photos side by side. Photo on the left is Anthony Genac outside a sports stadium wearing a jersey and baseball hat holding up his hands in the shape of a W. Photo on the right is Olivia Johnson dressed in a black graduation cap and gown, leaning against a large white column at the Madison Capital building.

Winter 2022 Commencement will be extra special this year for two students in the School of Human Ecology, each with a remarkable story of determination and compassion who overcome significant obstacles to improve both themselves and the community.

Anthony Genac is receiving his degree in personal finance, just two short years after undergoing a heart transplant. He even managed to complete his degree a semester early, an extraordinary achievement in the best of circumstances.

Olivia Johnson will be the flag bearer for the School of Human Ecology at the commencement ceremony, which is an honor that is reserved for an impressive graduate. Olivia volunteered with single and teen moms at The Elizabeth House, was part of the university’s COVID-19 testing team, and assisted with childcare and research at the School of Human Ecology’s Child Development Lab.

Please join us in giving these two notable grads a big congratulations! Read more about Anthony and Olivia.