100k graduate walks at ASU

You can call him Mr. 100K.

"It feels pretty good," Jordan Craig said.

The recent graduate isn't your average diploma walker. He's the 100,000th (exactly) graduate at Appalachian State University, and the designation came as a surprise.

"I got to graduation that day, and my dean pulled me aside, and he sent me a card that said 'Jordan Craig, 100,000th Graduate,' and he said to hand that to the chancellor," Craig said. "The chancellor stopped the whole ceremony, and they made this huge announcement."
Craig, who called the experience "pretty crazy," came to Appalachian State University, not for the music program he ended up loving, but for the community. "I could just tell it was really tight knit," he said.

Add in mountains and the possibility of winter white, and he was sold on Boone and the school.

Over the past few years, he's experienced highs and lows, but mostly highs. "One of them was definitely going to the Michigan game," he said.

But, all in all, it's not the football games he'll miss.

"I'll definitely miss the community and the music program, just being able to play with this level of musicians," he said.

Craig, who majored in music, specifically the trombone, plans to return to Greensboro and teach music lessons. In the meantime, he has some advice for new Mountaineers.

"I would like to tell students entering App this semester that it is important to get involved with a club or program that you find interesting," he said. "Always remember that life at school is a balance between school work and play. It is important that you have fun, but make sure you go to class and remember that you are in school to learn. Don't be afraid to take risks."

To commemorate his (and ASU's) milestone, ASU Alumni Association gave Craig a gift bag with an Appalachian sweatshirt, a 2010 holiday spirit ornament and alumni car decal.