Last Updated on May 1, 2019 by cassnetwork
KOKOMO, Ind. – Indiana University Kokomo celebrates the accomplishments of the Class of 2019, at its 50th anniversary Commencement Tuesday, May 7.
IU President Michael A. McRobbie will preside over the ceremony for the 679 graduates, who represent 34 Indiana counties, three states, and 16 countries. Thirty percent of the class is first generation college students, and 31 are graduating with 4.0 grade point averages.
Forty-nine students are earning master’s degrees, 625 are earning their bachelor’s, and 12 will receive associate degrees. Some students received more than one degree.
The processional begins at 12:45 p.m., and Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke will present the graduating class at 1 p.m. in the Kokomo Event and Conference Center, 1500 N. Reed Road. A celebration reception for graduates and their families will be held on campus in Alumni Hall, immediately following the ceremony.
“The Class of 2019 has a lot to offer. They will be great assets to their communities and in their professions,” said Benjamin Liechty, director of alumni relations and campus ceremonies. “It is my hope they will remain connected and involved with IU Kokomo after they graduate. We wish them continued success, and remind them they always have a home here.”
The School of Nursing has the largest number of graduates, with 150 earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The second most frequent degree being awarded is the Bachelor of General Studies with 98.
Chancellor Emerita Emita Hill, the campus’ first female chancellor, will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during the ceremony. She led a period of significant growth for IU Kokomo during her tenure, from August 1991 to August 1999.
Allison Hopkins, Tipton, will represent the graduates as class speaker. She is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business. Greentown resident Kaytlynn Lawson, a nursing graduate, will sing the National Anthem and the Alma Mater. Danté Butler, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management, will induct the class into the IU Alumni Association.
Liechty noted that with increasing numbers of graduates and growing participation in Commencement, tickets will be required to attend the ceremony. Each graduate will receive up to five tickets. If there are any remaining tickets after distribution, graduates will be able to receive one additional ticket on a first-come, first-serve basis the week of April 29. Lost tickets cannot be replaced.
Guests who do not have tickets are invited to watch the ceremony in the Kelley Student Center, Room 130, and on the IQ wall in the Kelley Student Center Commons, via livestream.
Limited parking is available at the Kokomo Event and Conference Center. Those attending may park on campus and take a free shuttle to the ceremony. Doors open at 11 a.m., and guests are to be seated by 12:30 p.m.
For more information, go to iuk.edu/commencement.
SOURCE: News release from Indiana University Kokomo