Friends and family of Kansas Wesleyan’s Class of 2017 gathered on a beautiful day to witness the graduation of 197 students. KWU had its 128th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 6, in Mabee Arena.
The day started with a Baccalaureate Service at University United Methodist Church. The Class of 2017 gathered on the steps of Pioneer Hall for a class photo at noon. The academic procession started at Pioneer Hall before the ceremony. The graduates included 157 undergraduates and 40 who earned Master of Business Administration degrees.
The Very Reverend Robert Smith, president and CEO of Saint Francis Community Services, whose daughter, Casadie Smith, was among the graduates, gave the invocation. Chair of the board of trustees, Charles Grimwood, Dr. Michael Russel, associate professor of history, and graduate Asiria Ramirez, president of the Class of 2017, spoke. The Kansas Wesleyan University Chorale performed “Wade in the Water” and “The Star Spangle-Banner” and the orchestra played the interlude, processional and recessional. Dedicated Salina educator and KWU alumna Brenda McDaniel ’73 delivered the keynote address.
Watch video of the Commencement Ceremony.
