McKendree University Kentucky Graduates Receive Their Diplomas

Student and Faculty Awardees Recognized at Commencement

(LOUISVILLE / RADCLIFF, Ky., June 15, 2016) — The Class of 2016 graduates of McKendree University’s Louisville and Radcliff campuses received their diplomas and awards were presented at commencement exercises held on June 4 at the First Christian Church in Elizabethtown, Ky.

Howard Gleason, of Rineyville, Ky., and Charlotte Eldridge, of Louisville, Ky., each received the “Spirit of McKendree Award” for academic excellence, character and community mindedness. Gleason enrolled at the Radcliff campus in 2013 after retiring from the Army. He made the dean’s and president’s lists for consecutive semesters, was invited to be a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society, and graduated magna cum laude in three years with a Bachelor of Business Administration and Accounting degree. Colleagues noted his motivation, high academic standards, and willingness to help fellow students and to volunteer at campus events.

Eldridge began taking classes at the Louisville campus in 2004 and after taking some time off, returned in 2014 determined to complete her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She was frequently on the president’s and dean’s lists, invited to join the Sigma Beta Delta honor society, and graduated magna cum laude.

Outstanding Faculty Awards were presented to longtime adjunct instructors Greg Bailey and John Seldomridge, who teach at the Louisville and Radcliff campuses, respectively.

Bailey, a Louisville resident, joined McKendree in 1988, teaching a variety of subject matters. Students praise his passion for education, patience, wealth of knowledge, sense of humor and ability to connect with them. The former business owner is now in private practice as an attorney. Bailey earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Western Kentucky University, an MBA from Bellarmine University, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Louisville.

Seldomridge, an Elizabethtown resident, has taught at the Radcliff campus since 1986, making him one of McKendree’s longest serving faculty members in Kentucky. Students have commented on his ability to keep classes interesting and engaging, and to make complex ideas easier to understand. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University, and later completed his Juris Doctorate at the University of Louisville.

McKendree University conferred over 800 degrees at its Illinois and Kentucky campuses in 2016—four doctorates, 18 education specialists, 219 master’s, 566 bachelor’s and nine associate degrees—on graduates who completed their degree requirements in December 2015, and in May and July 2016. One-hundred-fifty-five graduated with honors: 31 summa cum laude, 80 magna cum laude and 51 cum laude. The new graduates hail from 28 states and five countries. Commencement was held at the Lebanon, Ill., campus on May 14.

Photos are posted at mckendree.edu/photos.

Serving Kentucky for over 40 years, McKendree University offers an associate degree in business administration and bachelor’s degrees in business administration, marketing, accounting, management and human resources; computer information systems, information technology and nursing. The master’s program includes human resource management, business administration, nursing management and nursing education. Developed for the working professional and military members, classes are offered in accelerated four and six week blended in-class and online formats.

 

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