It’s the moment many Methodist University students and their loved ones have looked forward to for years— graduation. On Saturday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m., that special moment will finally come to light as the Class of 2022 is honored during this year’s Winter Commencement Ceremony at Crown Coliseum.
It’s the moment many Methodist University students and their loved ones have looked forward to for years— graduation.
On Saturday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m., that special moment will finally come to light as the Class of 2022 is honored during this year’s Winter Commencement Ceremony at Crown Coliseum.
“The faculty, staff, alumni and friends of MU are thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of our most recent Methodist University graduates,” said Dr. Suzanne Blum Malley, provost for Methodist University. “They have navigated the demands of their academic programs during the upheaval of a global pandemic. We are impressed by their resilience and proud of their commitment to our Methodist University mission and values. I look forward to honoring our graduates as they cross the stage next Saturday and then embark on their next journey as lifelong Monarchs.”
As a long tradition of the University, graduates will not only receive their diploma directly from President Stanley T. Wearden, but they will also each participate in an academic hooding ceremony on stage. Each graduate will be hooded by an individually selected sponsor (often a parent, spouse, child, professor or friend), a visual representation of the students’ level of academic achievement and scholastic degree being conferred.
The final Class of 2022 consists of approximately 134 graduates, including Jillian Drinkard, who was selected as this year’s Distinguished Graduate. Drinkard is among the five students in her class with the highest GPA and was selected to speak at graduation by her peers.
Also among the graduates is Charlisa Lawrence-Joseph, a Dominica native whose country’s flag will be presented during the ceremony. As another long-standing tradition, the Dominica flag will now be permanently displayed in the Berns Students Center along with the 127 other flags from countries across the world.
During the commencement speech, graduates will hear from John “Mac” Healy, immediate past chair for the University’s Board of Trustees. Healy is the president of Healy Wholesale Co., a beer and wine distributor, and has lived in the Fayetteville area for more than four decades.
“It is my pleasure to address this impressive group of graduates. These young adults have overcome enormous obstacles to be the newest group of Methodist University graduates. I am truly honored to share this hard-fought victory with them and their families and look forward to watching each of them accept their degree,” said Healy.
A Winter Baccalaureate service will recognize the accomplishments of this year’s graduates the night before the commencement— Friday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. in Matthews Chapel. The service will feature the MU Chamber Singers, voice and instrumental soloists, and readers from the graduating class who will lead the congregation in seasonal prayers, carols and hymns.
Graduates and their loved ones can find more information about the hooding ceremony, caps and gowns, parking, tickets, and more by visiting our Graduation webpage.