Newman University celebrated spring 2011 Commencement weekend May 13 -15 with a variety of activities honoring graduates and members of the greater Newman community.
The events included the Nurses Pinning ceremony on Friday, May 13, which featured the director of the School of Nursing and Allied Health placing pins on the lapels of students earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, as a symbol of their completion of the program. The ceremony included the naming of the Spring 2011 Distinguished BSN Graduate Award recipient, Jenna McCulley of Clearwater, Kan.
Later that evening many Newman graduating students attended Baccalaureate Mass along with their family members and friends as well as members of the Newman faculty, administration and Board of Trustees. The ceremony featured students Gloria Bayer, Grace Blum, Uy Phi and Julie Schmeidler, who offered personal reflections on their experiences at Newman.
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On Saturday, May 14, the university honored 354 spring and summer 2011 graduates during Commencement exercises at Central Community Church in Wichita. In addition to the awarding of degrees, the ceremony featured an address by Newman Associate Professor of Biology Susan Orsbon, who received the 2010 Newman University Teaching Excellence Award.
Newman officials also bestowed Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa degrees upon two notable and accomplished members of the extended Newman community. The honorary degrees are awarded each fall and spring Commencement to individuals whose life and work reflect exemplary dedication to one of the university’s four Core Values: Catholic Identity, Culture of Service, Academic Excellence, and Global Perspective.
For the Spring 2011 ceremony, Mildred “Mickey” Frances (McCoy) Armstrong was honored for the Core Value of Culture of Service, and Marjorie “Marj” (Westwood) Chance was recognized for her commitment to Academic Excellence.
On Sunday, May 15, occupational therapy assistant students participated in a Pinning Ceremony to mark the completion of their coursework and the beginning of two professional internships. Upon completion of the internships, students will prepare for a December 2011 graduation.
