After the COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the Spring Commencement Ceremony, Missouri Western State University honored more than 450 spring and summer graduates with two ceremonies on Sunday, Sept. 20.
The Commencement Address was delivered by Alyssa Bonnet, who graduated with a social work degree. Bonnet was unable to speak in person, but recorded her message.
“There are no limits to what we can achieve,” she said. “Look at what we’ve gone through this year alone, and yet here we are today. You pushed yourself and kept going when you did not think you could, and you should be proud of yourself. We as a class are strong. We are not only surviving 2020, but we are thriving. And no one should ever doubt what we are capable of again.”
The 2 p.m. ceremony honored undergraduate students who received their degrees in general studies, biology, chemistry, communication, English, foreign language, computer science, mathematics, criminal justice, art, music, theatre & cinema, history, philosophy, religion, sociology, economics, political science, psychology and social work.
The 5 p.m. ceremony honored graduate students, as well as undergraduate students earning their degrees in business, education, engineering technology, nursing, population health, health information management, physical therapist assistant, health, physical education and recreation.
Missouri Western State University is a student-centered learning community preparing individuals for lives of excellence through applied learning. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.