Words of optimism and encouragement punctuated Temple’s 125th Commencement, as more than 8,600 graduates were conferred degrees during a morning ceremony at the Liacouras Center. “Nothing will stop us,” said student speaker LaToya Stroman, a School of Communications and Theater graduate. “Because of all that we have been through we are here today. Because Temple University believed in us we are graduating today."

Preparations for the university's 125th Commencement began in earnest yesterday, as crews set cherry and white chairs in a Temple "T" pattern in advance of the 10 a.m. Thursday event in the Liacouras Center.

Latoya Stroman, B.A., Broadcasting, Telecommunications and Mass Media. In her first semester, Stroman got her start anchoring and reporting with TUTV, Temple’s television station. As a junior, she was accepted to study abroad at the School of Communications and Theater's Study Away program in London. While there, she interned at Shorts International, a film company, which has offered her employment upon graduation.

Christina Mortensen, M.S., Community and Regional Planning. Mortensen was among the few hundred selected this year for the Presidential Management Fellows program, a prestigious two-year paid government fellowship that provides her with the opportunity to work with a variety of United States government agencies.

Elliot Griffin, B.A., Journalism. Griffin has spent her senior year as a leader within Temple Student Government, representing Temple students and leading campus-wide advocacy campaigns.

Sierra Gladfelter, B.A., Anthropology. In 2011, Gladfelter was one of three students from Temple who was awarded scholarships from the Morris K. and Stuart L. Udall Foundation, which recognizes students studying in environment-related fields or of Native American descent and pursuing fields related to health care or tribal public policy. Gladfelter’s journey included a trip to Nepal last year to study adventure tourism and how the business affects the local population.

Diana Fernandez, B.S. Landscape Architecture. Fernandez was able to combine her leadership skills with a love of design and drawing, which led her to discover architecture as a potential career.

Julia McCabe, M.S. Community and Regional Planning. At Temple Ambler, McCabe, 36 from Upper Dublin, Pa., is president of the Temple Planning Student Organization, co-chair of the Ambler Campus Sustainability Council and a research assistant with the Center for Sustainable Communities.

Rachel Furman, B.B.A. Marketing. Furman launched her own cosmetics line, NAKIID, during her senior year.

Kara Forsythe Morse, J.D., Law. After graduation, Morse hopes to pursue public interest law in her hometown of Seattle, Washington.

Akhila Vasthare, M.D., Medicine. In between studying for medical classes, Vasthare focuses on improving the health of the surrounding community.

Wayne Tribue, B.S. Biochemistry. In September 2011, Tribue was named to the 2011 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team in recognition for the football player's outstanding community service record.