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May 21st is commencement. It will take place at Cutler at 1 p.m.
“We’re going to be back to what is was before COVID. Students can bring as many people as they want, no tickets,” said Sarah Peterson, assistant professor of writing, and a senior class advisor.
Jubilant are many on campus.
“I help seniors through their last year making sure everything is in place for commencement. There are three of us (senior class advisors) plus another faculty member on the board. It is our job to find a commencement speaker,” said Peterson.
Students will line up at noon, and walk out into the stadium, faculty first. Baccalaureate and senior celebration is the Friday before (May 20th). They are events to celebrate the seniors, are less formal, and they get to wear their cap and gown for the first time.
“Senior celebration is at the Kirk Center, drinks and food will be there, and friends and faculty are welcome to come. That’s pretty much the weekend,” said Peterson.
“I’m really excited that this commencement will be the way it was prior to COVID,” said Laura Barlond-Maas, associate professor of English. Barlond-Maas is the faculty marshal.
“We will all be able to celebrate together inside Cutler,” said Barlond-Maas said.
“I run commencement with Nicole baker, assistant dean of academic affairs. I think this year’s graduating class has a lot of perseverance, since the last two years have been pretty weird,” Barlond-Maas said.
There will be an honorary degree given to Asenath Andrews, a longtime member of the board of trustees. It is the last commencement for Maria Davis, who has been provost for 12 years.