Thousands graduate from University of Missouri

More than 5,300 University of Missouri students walked across the stage and turned their tassles to the left after receiving degrees Saturday.

The ceremonies also honored a local businessman, Jim Held, with an honorary degree. Held is the founder and owner of Stone Hill Winery in Hermann.

Commencements began Friday afternoon and were scheduled to continue through the day on Sunday.

The College of Engineering commencement featured keynote speaker Martin Heinrich, a U.S. Senator from New Mexico. Heinrich grew up in Cole Camp and graduated from Mizzou. He serves on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources, Intelligence, and Joint Economic Committees, according to a news release.

According to a university news release, it awarded 3,814 bachelor’s degrees, 1,009 master’s degrees, 268 doctorates, 128 law degrees, 111 veterinary medicine degrees, 97 medicine degrees and 25 education specialist degrees during spring commencement exercises.

Commencement ceremonies continued on Sunday.