Another academic year is coming to a close for Central Methodist University, which means hundreds are about to embrace their last moments as students – both excited and prepared to pursue their dreams while making a difference in the world.
As part of this big step, CMU will honor its graduates during a Commencement ceremony, which will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, in Puckett Field House on CMU’s main campus in Fayette. The celebration will recognize 405 graduate, undergraduate, and two-year degree recipients, according to CMU Provost Rita Gulstad.
During the ceremony, CMU’s Concert Band will perform, and many graduates will be recognized for special honors.
Braxton Rethwisch, CMU alumnus (Class of 1964), will present the 2017 Commencement address, with the message for graduates, “What do you think?” For 52 years, Rethwisch served CMU in a variety of roles, including Assistant to the President and Admissions Counselor. Just over a year ago, the Fayette native was presented with CMU’s highest honor, the University Service Award – given to only 26 people in Central’s history.
Preceding Commencement will be a 10:30 a.m. Baccalaureate ceremony in Linn Memorial United Methodist Church, also on the Fayette campus.
Both the CMU Brass Ensemble and Chorale will perform throughout Baccalaureate, which also will feature readings and hymns.
The guest speaker will be Reverend Clayton Smith, CMU alumnus (’70), who currently serves as executive pastor of generosity at the United Church of the Resurrection in the Kansas City area. While he was a Central student, Smith began his ministry as a student local pastor. After seminary, he was an associate pastor in Kansas City before serving six years as a campus chaplain at the University of Missouri-Rolla.
Another academic year is coming to a close for Central Methodist University, which means hundreds are about to embrace their last moments as students – both excited and prepared to pursue their dreams while making a difference in the world.