Seated on the track at McPherson Stadium, the Class of 2021 was described as “resilient” and recognized for making it to the finish line at the McPherson College 133rd Commencement Ceremony held Sunday, May 16.
McPherson College conferred degrees on 158 students in an outdoor ceremony, the first of its kind in several years. Each student was allowed four tickets for family and friends who sat in the bleachers and watched the ceremony. Despite the threat of rain, the ceremony completed just before the rain began.
Dr. ShaRhonda Maclin, associate dean of students and executive director of housing at the University of Oklahoma and a former Dean of Students at McPherson College, was the commencement speaker. She encouraged the graduates to intentionally seek out community and continue to invest in themselves.
“Reach out to mentors and friends when you are lost or scared,” she said in her address to students. “Talk less and smile more so you can find the people who you love and will love you back.”
Taylor Cunningham, the senior class representative, and Professor Joe Dickhudt, retiring restoration technology instructor, also addressed the class.
The commencement ceremony concluded with Dr. Michael Schneider, president of McPherson College, acknowledging the challenges of the past year and recognizing what the class has accomplished.
“While the world was debating what it meant to be safe, you were right here in McPherson College focused and working hard,” he said. “As you scatter out into the world remember to take what you have learned here and do good.”
Names of the graduating class of 2021 and the commencement video can be found at: www.mcpherson.edu/graduation.