MU December ceremonies to have more than 1,900 graduates
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The University of Missouri's winter commencement ceremonies next will celebrate the accomplishments of 1,973 students with more than 2,100 degrees.
“The University of Missouri is proud to recognize these students who leave our campus with an education steeped in world-class research opportunities, nationally recognized learning experiences and campus traditions,” MU President Mun Choi said in a press release.
Of the 2,128 degrees MU is awarding during commencement weekend, 1,515 will be bachelor’s degrees, 472 will be master’s degrees and 119 will be doctorate degrees. There also will be 16 education specialist degrees, four law degrees and two medical degrees awarded. Some students will receive more than one degree.
Students from the graduating class hail from 39 states and 25 countries. There are 483 online students graduating.
“No matter where they go next, we know our graduates will continue to be successful,” said Latha Ramchand, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. “We are proud that these well-educated graduates will be joining other Mizzou alumni to help make the world a better place.”
University officials also will honor Debbye Turner Bell and Joe G. Dillard with honorary degrees.
Bell, a veterinarian and former Miss America Pageant winner, will receive her honorary degree at the Missouri School of Journalism ceremony. She is known for her work as a television journalist, including an 11-year stint for CBS News where she was “The Early Show’s” resident veterinarian.
Dillard -- a fisheries research biologist -- will receive his honorary degree at the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. He had a long career as a fisheries research biologist with the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Schedule of ceremonies:
Friday, Dec. 16
College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
- 1 p.m. at the Hearnes Center
- Message from Dillard
Missouri School of Journalism
- 2 p.m. at Jesse Auditorium
- Speaker: Art Holliday, news director at KSDK (St. Louis NBC TV affiliate)
College of Engineering
- 3:30 p.m. at the Hearnes Center
Sinclair School of Nursing
- 4:30 p.m. at Jesse Auditorium
- Speaker: Lori Popejoy, dean of the Sinclair School of Nursing
Trulaske College of Business
- 6 p.m. at the Hearnes Center
- Speaker: Greg Maday, BS BA ’86, chairman and CEO of SpecChem, co-founder of Rock Island Capital, co-owner of Sporting KC
Saturday, Dec. 17
Honors College
- 8:30 a.m. at Jesse Auditorium
- Speakers: Catherine Rymph, dean of Honors College; University of Missouri President Mun Choi; UM System Curator Robin Wenneker; Maya Gibson, instructor in Honors College; and Eli Rojas, an Honors student
School of Health Professions
- 11 a.m. at Jesse Auditorium
- Speaker: Delaney Sisk, graduating senior in social work
Graduate School – Doctoral, Education Specialist, Masters Degrees
- 12 p.m. at the Hearnes Center
- Speaker: Chelsea Howland, doctoral marshal
College of Arts & Science
- 3 p.m. at the Hearnes Center
ROTC Commissioning of Officers
Air Force ROTC
- 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17 at Bush Auditorium in Cornell Hall
Army ROTC
- 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 at Tate Hall, Room 22
Naval/Marine ROTC
- 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 at Leadership Auditorium in the MU Student Center
- Speakers: Capt. Chad Ridder, MU NROTC alumnus, and Cmdr. Howard Gray, a retired MU NROTC alumnus
More information on the commencement ceremonies can be found on the university’s website.
