December 8, 2018 / Vincennes University holds Mid-Year Commencement
LINK to news photo, click HERE
VINCENNES, Ind. - Vincennes University held Mid-Year
Commencement exercises December 8 at the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center.
The graduating class totaled more than 590 eligible members
from all VU sites, including Jasper, Gibson County, Aviation
Technology Center, Distance Education Program and Military Education
Program. About 108 graduates walked in the ceremony attended by a
full-house crowd that saluted them with a standing ovation. The
graduates represented 70 of Indiana’s 92 counties, 26 other states,
and one country.
During his graduation address, VU President Chuck Johnson
shared news that in a national survey measuring alumni satisfaction VU
scored higher than other schools in Indiana and outpaced the national
averages in many areas. He noted an impressive 91 percent of VU alumni
surveyed shared they would still attend the school, according to the
Gallup-Indiana Satisfaction Survey.
“We also saw VU alumni talk about some of the great experiences
they had,” Johnson said. “About half of VU alums said, ‘A faculty or
staff person took an interest in them as a student,’ compared to only
about 30 percent nationally or statewide. We want to see that number
continue to grow and we want that number to be higher, but that still
says something about the value of our faculty and staff, and their
commitment to your education. VU overwhelming outpaced the nation and
the state when it came to satisfaction of work, having jobs that are
meaningful, and having jobs related to their education. We believe
that is really at the heart of what we do. Today is not I hope the end
of your educational journey. I hope that with your Vincennes
University education, with the strong network that you have both here
and with your families, and with your own personal values and
commitment, you will find the success you want to achieve in life and
in your career.”
Dr. Laura Treanor, provost and vice president of Instructional
services, presided over the exercises. Chad Beaman, president of the
Faculty Senate, convened the ceremony. Diplomas were presented by
College Deans Anna Miller, College of Business and Public Service;
Jana Vieck, College of Health Science and Human Performance; Ty Freed,
College of Technology; Curt Coffman, College of Science, Engineering,
and Mathematics; and Dr. Cynthia Ragle, College of Social Science,
Performing Arts, and Communication.
Taja Davidson, assistant provost of Student Affairs and dean of
students, provided the welcome. Savannah Linenburg, interim director
of Alumni, inducted graduates into the Alumni Association. Academic
Honors were presented by Joan Puckett, dean of the College of
Humanities. Rick Cox, assistant director of Student Activities,
presented the Blue and Gold Cord Awards.
Bryce Mattox, president of the Student Government Association,
gave the opening and closing statements. Miss VU 2018 Evelyn Crowley
sang the National Anthem and VU Alma Mater. The VU Campus Police Cadet
Honor Guard presented and retired the Colors.
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LINK to VU Online Newsroom, click HERE
MARCIA MARTINEZ, University Life Reporter & Sports
Information Director
812-888-4164 office, 314-599-1519 cell,
VUNews@vinu.edu, mmartinez@vinu.edu
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY,
Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/newsroom