Over 500 Students To Receive Degrees at University Winter Commencement

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On Saturday, Jan. 29, more than 520 Bellevue University students are expected to cross the stage at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to receive their diplomas at the University’s winter commencement ceremony. 

Among the graduates will be Isaac Tongo, student speaker, who has earned a Bachelor of Science in Leadership degree.  

Tongo, who was born in the Upper Nile State of South Sudan, currently serves as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Army. 

The commencement ceremony, which begins at 9:10 a.m. with the procession of graduates and the program starting at 9:30 a.m., will also feature Darryl Strawberry, former Major League Baseball player and World Series champion, as the winter commencement speaker. Strawberry is described as a legend by many who have been dazzled by the dynamics of his game, the power he possessed at the plate and his own story of redemption that continues to bring hope to so many lives.

“Pursuing a degree is a rewarding journey,” President Dr. Mary Hawkins said. “It can also be a challenging journey especially during a pandemic, but Bellevue University students continue to work hard and push themselves and for that they are inspirational because they’ve put in the work to transform their lives.” 

According to University Registrar Colette Lewis, the University conferred 697 degrees from Oct. 1, 2021 through Dec. 31, 2021. This includes 485 undergraduate degrees and 212 master’s degrees. Two students will also receive their doctoral degrees. Bellevue University now has nearly 60,000 graduates worldwide.

Graduates and guests are strongly encouraged to wear a mask regardless of their vaccination status. Frequent hand sanitizing is also recommended. 

The University will stream the commencement ceremony live so those who cannot attend have an opportunity to see students receive their diplomas. 

For more information about the winter commencement ceremony, visit bellevue.edu/student-support/graduation/graduation.