Fayette, Mo. – The crowning achievement for Central Methodist University is Commencement, and CMU will celebrate that occasion on the main campus in Fayette on Saturday, May 9.

Commencement is preceded by CMU’s annual Baccalaureate ceremony starting at 10:30 a.m. in the Linn Memorial United Methodist Church on campus. Commencement exercises will be in the Puckett Fieldhouse beginning at 2 p.m., according to CMU President Roger Drake.

Delivering this year’s Commencement address will be Dr. Joanna Anderson, president of State Fair Community College. The fifth president in SFCC’s 47-year history, Anderson began her tenure at the Sedalia campus in 2013. She has dedicated her career to community college education.

Prior to State Fair Anderson was vice president for Student Services at Casper (Wyo.) College. Before taking that position, she spent 21 years leading several departments at North Central Missouri College in Trenton, including Dean of Student Services, director of Public Relations, director of Admissions, and as an adjunct instructor.

Approximately 350 CMU students will be recognized during the ceremony, including master’s, bachelor’s, and associate’s degree recipients. Dr. Tad Perry, chair of the CMU Board of Trustees, will deliver greetings from the Board, while John Cheary, president of CMU’s Alumni Association, will present remarks to the newest group of Central alumni.

Dr. Nancy Hadfield, retiring Professor of English and former chair of CMU’s Professional Education division, will be honored with presentation of emeritus status during Commencement.

Another Commencement highlight will be the presentation of its top awards to three graduating seniors. Recipients of the Selecman, Victoria, and Human Relations Awards won’t know of those honors until they are announced that day.

The Rev. Lucas Endicott, director of CMU’s Center for Faith and Service, will deliver the keynote address at Baccalaureate on Saturday morning. Rev. Loren Whetsell, pastor of the Church of the Shepherd United Methodist Church in St. Charles, and Rev. Peggie Wood, pastor of Fayette’s Linn Memorial UMC, will present scripture readings.

Throughout both events, music will be provided by CMU’s Brass Ensemble, Chorale, Concert Band, and by music professor Dr. Melissa Loehnig.

(Courtesy of Central Methodist University)

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