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Cathy Kessenich, professor of nursing and director of the undergraduate nursing and Master of Science in nursing programs, provided some of the most practical and impactful advice to the graduates at UT’s Dec. 13 commencement ceremony.

“I would like to provide you all with the same type of advice that I would give to my patients, so that as you graduate from UT you will go on to fulfill your dreams while enjoying an active and healthy life,” said Kessenich, who provided a top 10 list for college graduates from the view of a nurse practitioner.

Kessenich is the recipient of the 2013-2014 Louise Loy Hunter Award, which is given annually by its previous recipients to a UT professor for excellence in teaching and cumulative contributions in service and scholarship.

Kessenich’s top 10 list included the following:

• Attempt to eat a healthy, well balanced diet … but it is OK to cheat once in a while.
• Strive to maintain a normal body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of your body fat based on your height and weight.
• If you smoke, STOP! It is just not good for anything.
• If you drink, do so in moderation.
• If you use recreational drugs, again, STOP! It is just not good for anything.
• Exercise regularly to maintain your strength and flexibility as you age (I know you don’t think you will age … but you will.)
• Engage in meaningful work.
• More importantly, engage in meaningful play.
• If you have been prescribed medications (especially by a nurse practitioner), take them and take them correctly.

And her most important piece of advice?

“Develop and maintain positive relationships with your friends, family and significant others,” she said. “I hope that some of them are with you here to celebrate your achievements today.”

The ceremony included 450 graduates, including 349 bachelor’s degree candidates and 101 master’s degree candidates. Melissa Guarino ’14 of Indialantic, FL, introduced Kessenich, and Randy Alexander Lallkissoon ’14 of Fairfield, CT, delivered the challenge to the graduating class. A communication major, Lallkissoon is active in Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity and the National Residence Hall Honorary. He participated in three internships and was an active volunteer.

Total graduates = 450
Countries represented = 43
% of graduates from Florida = 49

Undergraduates
Total bachelor’s degree candidates = 349
Summa cum laude (GPA 4.0) = 1
Magna cum laude (GPA 3.75 or higher, but less than 4.0) = 29
Cum laude (GPA 3.5 or higher, but less than 3.75) = 41
Top 3 most popular undergraduate majors in this class = communication, accounting, tie between criminology and management

Graduate students
Total master’s candidates = 101
With honors (GPA 3.9 or higher, but less than 4.0) = 3
With highest honors (GPA 4.0) = 13
MBAs awarded = 50