A day of triumph, reflection, and immense pride for Fort Novosel college graduates

By Leslie Herlick, Fort Novosel Public AffairsDecember 6, 2023

Fort Novosel Command Sergeant Major Christopher Doss celebrates college graduations with Lavina Smith, Sergeant First Class Ruben Martell, Staff Sergeant Stephanie Martell, Sergeant First Class Matthew Patterson and their family and friends at the...
Fort Novosel Command Sergeant Major Christopher Doss celebrates college graduations with Lavina Smith, Sergeant First Class Ruben Martell, Staff Sergeant Stephanie Martell, Sergeant First Class Matthew Patterson and their family and friends at the ACES Graduation ceremony on December 6, 2023. (Photo Credit: Leslie Herlick) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Fort Novosel Army Education Center hosted the Army Continuing Education System (ACES) College Graduation Commencement ceremony at the Army Aviation Museum on Fort Novosel on Wednesday, December 6.

Fifteen Soldiers, Family Members, and Civilians with connections to the Fort Novosel community celebrated their college graduations from 8 different colleges and universities.

Sergeant First Class Jon Morris listens intently during his ACES graduation ceremony from Southern New Hampshire University at Fort Novosel on December 6, 2023.
Sergeant First Class Jon Morris listens intently during his ACES graduation ceremony from Southern New Hampshire University at Fort Novosel on December 6, 2023. (Photo Credit: Leslie Herlick) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Army Education Center holds the graduation annually for students that cannot attend their college or university graduation ceremony due to distance, work schedules, deployments, or family responsibilities in order to celebrate their accomplishments and instill the importance of education throughout the community.

Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Doss, the Fort Novosel Garrison Command Sergeant Major, was the guest speaker for the ceremony, congratulating the graduates for their perseverance, hard work, and sacrifices in achieving their educational goals.

Doss said, “You learned how to learn, prepare for, and overcome adversity. You worked through failure to achieve success and we are here today to celebrate your hard work.”

Mr. James Craig, Hub Chief for the Army Education Center at Fort Moore, Georgia, congratulates Sgt. Khari Eze upon receipt of his diploma from Regent University on Dec. 6, 2023 at the Fort Novosel ACES Graduation Commencement.
Mr. James Craig, Hub Chief for the Army Education Center at Fort Moore, Georgia, congratulates Sgt. Khari Eze upon receipt of his diploma from Regent University on Dec. 6, 2023 at the Fort Novosel ACES Graduation Commencement. (Photo Credit: Leslie Herlick) VIEW ORIGINAL

The student speaker, Sgt. Khari Eze, a new graduate and Religious Affairs Specialist in the Fort Novosel Garrison, proclaimed this "a day of triumph, reflection, and great pride," and urged his fellow graduates to “dream big, set audacious goals, and to pursue your passions.”

Staff Sgt. Cinnamon Tua's mortarboard is decorated for her graduation day from American Military University.
Staff Sgt. Cinnamon Tua's mortarboard is decorated for her graduation day from American Military University. (Photo Credit: Leslie Herlick) VIEW ORIGINAL

The graduates, their degrees, and schools are as follows:

American Military University

SFC Roseanda H. Evans- Master of Arts in Homeland Security

SFC Matthew L. Patterson- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a concentration in Fish and Wildlife Management

SFC Delvin R. Stevenson- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

SGT Vy Nguyen-Associate of Science in Fire Science

SSG Cinnamon K. Tua-Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

Central Texas College

Grecia K. Butler-Associate of Arts in General Studies with Honors

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

CW3 Roy A. Page- Master of Science in Aeronautics- Received with Distinction

Liberty University

Matthew Castillo-Master of Education in Higher Education- Instructional Design and Technology

Regent University

SGT Khari Q. Eze-Bachelor of Science in Pre-Law

Southern New Hampshire University

SFC Jon P. Morris-Associate of Science in Business Administration with High Honors

Troy University

SGT Channing J. Starks-Master of Science in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health

SFC Ruben A. Martell-Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies

SSG Stephanie L. Martell-Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies

SPC Rollian J. Morgan-Associate of Science in General Studies

Wayland Baptist University

Lavina A. Smith-Master of Business Administration/Project Management with Honors

More photos of the graduation can be found on the Fort Novosel Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortnovosel/albums/