Hats off to the Class of 2022!

High-fives and hugs. Happy tears and heartfelt cheers. Impressive dance moves. The McKendree community came out in full force to celebrate commencement as undergraduates and graduates of all disciplines received their hard-earned diplomas on Friday, May 13. The University conferred a total of 656 degrees, and 114 students graduated with Latin honors.

“In spite of the many challenges, you remained steadfast in your academic journey,” said President Daniel C. Dobbins ’81. “You fill us all with pride. This class of 2022 will no doubt shape the world we live in and make their mark beyond McKendree.”

 

 

Left to Right: Commencement was a family affair for the Deckard triplets - Curtis ’21, MBA ’22, Brandon ’21, MBA ’22, and Andrew ’21, MBA ‘22 – who graduated with their MBA degrees, together.

 

Anna Gualdoni ’22, had students from the American History and Sociology class at Wesclin High School, where she student taught this spring under Lindsay (Henry) O’Rear ‘05, sign a dress that she wore to commencement.

 

Debbie Waters, BSN ’08, MSN ’10, DNP ’22 is a proud three-time alumna of McKendree after graduating with a DNP in Ethical Leadership.

 

The Stole of Gratitude

Every graduate has had a special person who, through moral or financial support, made a big difference in his or her life. This year, McKendree graduates had the opportunity to add this special symbol of appreciation to their regalia. Immediately following commencement, graduates would then take the stole from around his/her neck, and place it around the neck of their personal benefactor in a humble act of thanks.

There were a LOT of Bearcats sporting The Stole of Gratitude on the day of commencement, which just goes to show how important the support of friends and loved ones can be! Check out all of our commencement photos, and see how many you can spot for yourself right here: www.mckendree.edu/commencement.