Kearstin Cantrell | Reporter
Dec. 11, 2015; 9 a.m.
Photo by Jill Faulk
The day that many students had been working towards arrived on Dec.6, when nearly 1,000 member of the class of 2015 received their diplomas.
Lindenwood held its fall commencement ceremony at the St. Charles Family Arena to celebrate the hard work of those graduating. Joining the ceremony was keynote speaker Bonnie Barczykowski, chief officer of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri.
In her speech, the Lindenwood alumni reminisced upon moments in time that have altered her life in a positive way, as well as the people who made those moments a reality.
“Take time to thank those who have created moments in time that have allowed you to be here today,” Barczykowski said.
She also encouraged the graduates to “create moments in time for others.”
While in the past graduates were seated alphabetically by degree, this time around they were seated by degree and school.
Dean of Academic Services, Barry Finnegan, said that he and President Shonrock have worked together to alter some details of the event.
“This year they will be by school and degree, so they will be sitting by classmates,” Finnegan said. “It’s probably nicer to sit by students you’ve taken classes with.”
Photo by Jill Falk
Other changes have been made as well. In previous years the names and degrees of graduates have been the only things announced. This year, hometowns, and previous degrees joined the list of information announced.
A final alteration to the ceremony included the deans of each school shaking the hands of their students instead of announcing their names. The announcement of names was left to Daniel Sweeney, an assistant professor in the School of Business and Entrepreneurship.
Finnegan felt confident in Sweeney’s abilities stating “He’s actually read names for the World Cup, he’s as professional as they get.”
Finnegan said that more alterations may be considered for the May graduation.
