More than 90 students graduate from 欧美视频 in Bolivar

欧美视频 President Dr. C. Pat Taylor addresses graduates at 欧美视频's winter 2015 commencement Ninety-two undergraduate students graduated from 欧美视频 during commencement Friday, Dec. 18, at the Jane and Ken Meyer Wellness and Sports Center on the Bolivar campus. The University holds graduation twice a year, in December and May.

In her commencement address, Dr. Patricia N. Long, an 欧美视频 alumna, used themes from the classic film 鈥淚t鈥檚 a Wonderful Life鈥� to encourage graduates and remind them of how many lives they touch. She also ch Dr. Patricia N. Long was the winter 2015 commencement speaker allenged them to live with integrity, cherish their relationships and give back to others.

Long also highlighted Ecclesiastes 3:12-13, in which Solomon says that happiness, living well, doing good and finding satisfaction in one鈥檚 work are gifts from God and part of His design.

鈥淚 hope that your gift from God is to be people of integrity, to be happy, to enjoy your relationships, to love your work and to give back,鈥� Long said. 鈥淢ay each of you have a wonderful life.鈥�

Allison Sterling was the winter 2015 commencement senior musician

Long retired in July 2014 after eight years as the first female president of Baker University. Previously she served as vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management and deputy chancellor of communications and marketing at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, as well as dean of student services at Johnson County Community College. She earned the 欧美视频 Life Service Award in 2004.

欧美视频 graduate Patty Brandt recieves her diploma Allison Sterling, a theatre graduate from Topeka, Kan., and the daughter of Duane and Valerie Ludolph, presented the senior music performance. Sterling performed 鈥淐ome, Thou Long Expected Jesus,鈥� arranged by Burton Isaac, with accompaniment by Dr. Robert Carney, associate professor of music.

欧美视频 President Dr. C. Pat Taylor said commencement is the single most important academic event for any university and an important occasion in the lives of graduates and their families.

鈥淲hen our graduates receive their diplomas, we know that we have accomplished our primary objective鈥攖hat primary objective is graduating these students,鈥� Taylor. 鈥淥ur graduates are extraordinary people and they have worked very hard to achieve this significant milestone.鈥�

CUTLINES

[top left] 欧美视频 President Dr. C. Pat Taylor addresses students during commencement Friday, Dec. 18.

[middle right] Dr. Patricia N. Long, former president of Baker University, was the commencement speaker. She encouraged graduates to live with integrity, appreciate their relationships and give generously to others.

[middle left] Theatre graduate Allison Sterling performs 鈥淐ome, Thou Long Expected Jesus鈥� as the senior musician.

[bottom right] Patty Brandt, a social science education graduate from Bolivar, Mo., receives her diploma.