Cleveland, TN–Spring graduation festivities at Lee University took place this past weekend as over 475 degrees were awarded to the Class of 2015. The May 8-9 event involved a hooding ceremony for masters level candidates, followed by a Commissioning on Friday night and the commencement on Saturday morning.
The hooding ceremony for students earning graduate degrees took place in the Lee University Chapel on Friday, May 8, at 4:30 p.m. After the hooding ceremony, graduates marched in the commissioning service at 6:30 p.m., which was for the first time held on the lawn of the Science and Math Complex. During commissioning, six graduates shared stories of their Lee experiences, and all graduates received Bibles to commemorate the personal milestone. Following the service, there was a reception on the Pedestrian Mall for guests and graduates.
Because of the outdoor setting, tickets were not required unless inclement weather was to have shifted the ceremony indoors, where seating would have been limited. Of the approximately 475 degrees conferred, about 50 were for graduate students.
The hooding, commissioning, and commencement were all broadcast via live stream on the Lee University website.
Dr. Shirley Hoogstra, president of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), addressed the graduates and guests on Saturday morning. Hoogstra started her term as the first female president of the CCCU in September 2014. Prior to that, she served as the vice president for student life at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
During the commencement, three annual faculty awards were presented. Receiving Excellence in Teaching was Dr. Shane Griffith, associate professor of business administration; Excellence in Scholarship went to Assistant Professor of English Dr. Chad Schrock, while Randy Sheeks, assistant professor of church music, was recognized with the award for Excellence in Advising.