Big Idea

• 621 students from the class of 2020 participated
• Chancellor’s Award went to Paige Swenson and Tristan Minkoff
• The Ed King Community Service Award recognized Martin Kurkchubasche and Jayla Thirtyacre
• David L. Calhoun, President & CEO of The Boeing Company was the keynote speaker
• Read more...

In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, graduation took place.

PRESCOTT, Ariz. –  Consisting of 621 students, the entire class of 2020 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus was honored during the university’s first-ever Virtual Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 12.

Of this graduating class, 599 received undergraduate degrees and 22 completed master’s programs. In addition, 50 students received military commissions: 36 from Air Force ROTC, 13 from Army ROTC and one from Navy ROTC.

At both the fall and spring ceremonies, 2020 graduates were recognized by name, degree, college and any academic honors they received, accompanied by an individualized graduation slide.

Paige Swenson and Tristan Minkoff were recipients of the Chancellor’s Award — the highest graduate award, honoring outstanding scholars (3.5 minimum cumulative GPA) and leaders with an exceptional record of campus and community involvement.

Martin Kurkchubasche and Jayla Thirtyacre both received the Ed King Community Service Award, which honors a graduating senior who has made an outstanding contribution of time and talent to the community and university, and who has a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Scott Ritchie, professor of Aeronautical Science, received the Distinguished Faculty Award, and Dr. Philip Jones, Dr. Jeff Ashworth, Dr. Paul Hriljac and professor John Jenkins all received Professor Emeriti status.

This year’s keynote speaker was Mr. David L. Calhoun, president and CEO of The Boeing Company. 

“In this unprecedented year that included a global pandemic, our Eagles rose to the occasion,” said Prescott Campus Chancellor Dr. Anette M. Karlsson. “I know this wasn’t the graduation that they — or any of us — hoped for, but the level of grace, professionalism and determination that our graduates displayed through this all is a testament to the quality of individuals they are. I am extremely proud of our class of 2020.”

Watch the Prescott Campus’ fall and spring 2020 virtual commencement ceremonies.  

About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

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Embry-Riddle educates 33,500+ students at its residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona, at approximately 125 Worldwide Campus locations and through online degree programs ranked by U.S. News & World Report as being among the Nation’s Top Five.