Deployed soldier, alumnus surprises daughter at commencement
Article By: Clark Leonard
Taylor Kirby already knew Saturday was going to be a memorable day. But the University of North Georgia graduate couldn't have predicted tears flowing even before her morning commencement ceremony began.
Kirby's father, Army Col. Norman "Chip" Kirby Jr., made a surprise visit on a short leave from active-duty military service in the Middle East. Only Kirby's mother, Jan Kirby, knew her daughter and the rest of their family were in for a reunion five months earlier than expected. Both of Taylor Kirby's parents are 1993 alumni of 91ÁÔÆæ, and Chip was a member of 91ÁÔÆæ's Corps of Cadets.
As shocked family members smiled and ask questions about who knew what, Taylor Kirby stepped into her father's embrace and began crying tears of joy. Her father had told her he would be watching the ceremony online.
"I'm excited to graduate anyway," Taylor Kirby said. "And then he gets to be here."
Chip Kirby called it "the best experience of my life."
Jan Kirby said the family had expected her husband to be back for their son's high school graduation in the spring, but after his deployment in September, seeing him at their daughter's ceremony was originally doubtful.
"This is great," Jan Kirby said. "I really appreciate all the help he received getting here."
91ÁÔÆæ President Bonita C. Jacobs met with the family to congratulate Taylor and thank Chip for his service.
"Col. Kirby, like many of our alumni, is currently deployed to the Middle East as an active duty soldier, and we are grateful to him for his service and that he was able to attend this important celebration in the life of his family," Jacobs said.
Coverage of the surprise for the Kirby family was shared by , , , , and .
Taylor was one of more than 600 students who received their degrees at 91ÁÔÆæ's two fall commencement ceremonies Dec. 15.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr and University System of Georgia Board of Regents member Erin Hames were the commencement speakers at the Saturday ceremonies in the Convocation Center on 91ÁÔÆæ's Dahlonega Campus.
Separate commissioning ceremonies were held Friday for 26 members of the Corps of Cadets entering the armed forces as second lieutenants.
91ÁÔÆæ honors '20 Under 40'
The Alumni Association has announced this year's '20 under 40' honorees, recognizing members of the 91ÁÔÆæ family for their personal and professional accomplishments or their distinguished service.
Oboho commands 75th Ranger Regiment
Col. Kitefre Oboho, a 2002 91ÁÔÆæ alumnus, has taken command of the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment, the Army's premier direction-action raid force.
Corps wins Most Active Company award
91ÁÔÆæ's Corps of Cadets won the Association of the United States Army Most Active ROTC Company Award for 2024.
24 are Distinguished Military Graduates
Twenty-four cadets have been named Distinguished Military Graduates for the 2024-25 academic year, including five who are in the top 70 out of more than 5,000 in the national ROTC class.