Another academic year is coming to a close and hundreds of Central Methodist University students are excited for that big moment they get to walk across the graduation stage – diploma in hand.
Approximately 350 students from CMU’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) and College of Graduate and Extended Studies (CGES) are on track to graduate, according to CMU President Roger Drake. This includes graduate, undergraduate, and two-year degree recipients.
Celebratory ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday, May 12, with Baccalaureate beginning at 10:30 a.m. in Linn Memorial United Methodist Church (UMC), followed by Commencement at 2 p.m. in Puckett Field House. Both locations are on the CMU-Fayette campus.
The guest speaker for Baccalaureate is Reverend Sheila Bouie-Sledge, associate pastor of Community Outreach and Social Justice Ministries at Salem UMC in St. Louis, Mo.
Bouie-Sledge worked for years in the business community, and in 2009, felt led by God to explore a call to pastoral ministry. In her area of work, she develops, coordinates, and implements programs and services designed to enhance intercultural competencies while transforming cultural differences. In addition to her ministry at Salem UMC, she is very active in the St. Louis community in the areas of diversity training, racial reconciliation, and justice outreach.
As part of a Central Methodist tradition, Reverend Sarah Schofield-Wimberley, the mother of CMU graduate Abby Wimberley, will present a scripture reading during Baccalaureate. She is the pastor at Northern Boulevard UMC in Independence, Mo.
Additionally, the CMU Chorale and Brass Ensemble both will perform during the Baccalaureate ceremony.
Presenting the 2018 Commencement address will be Reverend Terri Swan, who serves as senior pastor at Salem UMC.
Swan is an active supporter of humanitarian causes. Along with her personal efforts and outreach, she leads the congregation of Salem UMC in service to the St. Louis community and world beyond. Through partnerships with United Methodist Committee on Relief, Habitat for Humanity, Mozambique Initiative, and Epworth Children and Family Services, the members of Salem UMC are playing a vital role in improving the world.
The CMU Concert band will perform during Commencement, and numerous students will be recognized for special honors.
For those unable to attend, Commencement will be livestreamed at centralmethodist.edu/live.