Central College students will receive diplomas May 16, presented by President Mark Putnam. The class of 2015 comes from 18 states, including Florida, California, Arizona, Washington, Colorado, Ohio, New Jersey and Michigan.
by Makaye Smith ‘15
Central College will hold commencement for the class of 2015 May 16, with 337 students receiving degrees in 36 majors. The ceremony is at 2 p.m. in H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse. Graduates and families will also celebrate baccalaureate at 10 a.m. in Douwstra Auditorium.
Commencement features Markay Winston ’87, who will address graduates with her speech, “Be Bold. Take Risks. Live Your Best Life!” Winston studied psychology at Central and is now chief officer of diverse learner supports and services for Chicago Public Schools, the country’s third-largest school district. She is one of Central’s 2014 alumni award winners.
Brian Peterson, professor of economics, has served as class dean for this class of students since 2012 and will give a special address at baccalaureate. “I marvel at the ability of our graduates to accomplish as much as they have,” he said. “I wonder when they sleep! I wish them all success after Central, and that they never forget that, as much as they think Central has helped them grow, they have helped Central grow as well.”
At commencement, the class of 2015 will also present its class gift: the renovation of Maytag Student Center’s outdoor patio. The patio was not included in a recent $3.125 million renovation of Maytag Student Center, but it is attached to the new campus restaurant Fred’s, one of the most popular gathering spots. The class gift will help create a multi-faceted gathering place that complements recent indoor upgrades and makes the patio ideal for students to gather for live music events, studying or connecting with classmates outdoors.
Doors to H.S. Kuyper Fieldhouse open for commencement at 12:30 p.m. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble will perform at 1:30 p.m., and a reception and photo opportunities will follow the ceremony in P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium and Kuyper Lawn. The ceremony will also be available online through live streaming.