President’s Column: Commencement Celebration
I’ve written previously about the importance of commencement – that moment in time when friends, family, faculty, staff, and colleagues gather to celebrate and congratulate students on their achievements and the anticipation of the next chapter in life.
We are excited to continue this tradition with our winter Commencement exercises set for Thursday, December 15 at 3:30 p.m. in historic Vangstad Auditorium.
Many small to mid-size campuses have abandoned the practice of winter Commencements. The option given to those completing their degree requirements mid-year is to return in May for receipt of their diplomas and formal recognition of their achievements. I’m pleased that we continue the practice of winter Commencement our campus.
Commencement celebrations are rich in history, pomp, and formality. The academic costume worn by graduates and other participants originated in the university of the Middle Ages, when a warm gown and hood were useful to the scholar and cleric in unheated buildings. While the temps will likely be cool on December 15, we are grateful to be celebrating in a climate-controlled facility.
We will be recognizing 103 graduates. There will be 90 undergraduate degrees awarded including:
- 54 Bachelor of Science in Education
- 26 Bachelor of Science
- 2 Bachelor of Arts
- 6 Bachelor of University Studies
- 2 Associate of Arts
There will also be 13 Master’s degrees awarded including 12 Master of Education degrees and one Master of Arts in Teaching.
We will be joined by guest speakers including Angeline Gannon, graduating student and former student senate president, faculty member Susan Pfiefer, our department chair of computer systems and software engineering, and State Board of Higher Education member Dr. John Warford.
One of the benefits of working in a university setting is being able to get to know students and their families along the journey. Watching them mature and learn in their academic and athletic pursuits along with their development of leadership, decision-making, and organizational skills is one of the greatest joys of being a part of the university community. On behalf of the entire campus, we congratulate these graduates and extend our best wishes to them for an enjoyable and successful career and life. We are proud to add another 103 graduates to our growing VCSU alumni list.
Go Vikings!