The Newman University Spring 2015 Commencement ceremony was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at Century II Convention Hall.
The Commencement ceremony included an address by Newman University Associate Professor of History Kelly McFall, Ph.D. McFall received the 2013 Newman University Teaching Excellence Award, an annual recognition to a full-time faculty member who has demonstrated an innovative or dynamic approach to courses, course revisions, and teaching techniques. The award recipient also has the honor of speaking at the spring commencement ceremony.
The ceremony also included the naming of the 2015 recipients of the Harvey J. Ablah Award and the Leona J. Ablah Award. The awards are presented each year to a graduating male and a graduating female student who exemplify the spirit of Newman University. Alex Beck of Wichita was awarded the Harvey J. Ablah Award, and Amal Ullah of Wichita received the Leona J. Ablah Award.
The ceremony also included the bestowal of a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa degree upon Gene and Yolanda Camarena, and Newman Professor Emeritus (Biology) Surendra Singh, Ph.D. The university awards honorary degrees 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.
The Camarenas exemplify the Newman University Core Value of Culture of Service through their work to support educational opportunities for Hispanic students. Singh was selected for the Newman University Core Value of Academic Excellence for his many accomplishments, service to Newman students, and important contributions to the academic, scientific and health care education development at Newman over a 45-year career.
Click here for a complete list of the Spring 2015 graduates by state, hometown and degree earned.
