Nearly 300 Graduate From Missouri Valley College
Nearly 300 Missouri Valley College graduates received their diplomas on a beautiful Saturday at packed Gregg-Mitchell Field.
The 136th commencement at MVC was a great success. Led by President Joseph Parisi, the event was full of pomp and circumstance, and many awards and honors. The commencement speaker was Dr. Caleb Hickman ’00, a citizen of the Cherokee nation and a leader in wildlife conservation, blending ecological science with cultural stewardship
Hickman’s address touted the graduates’ resilience and adaptability, and focused on the community they have built. Dr. Parisi presented Hickman with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
The Charles L. Bacon Award, one of Missouri Valley College’s most prestigious honors, was presented this year to two individuals, Ona Bartolome and Rubal Pradhan. Bartolome, who speaks five languages, graduates with majors in history and social studies education. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Pradhan is a presidential scholar earning a bachelor of science degree double majoring in computer information systems and mathematics.
Carla Medina provided greetings from the senior class. And Dr. Chris Libby, dean of the Honors College, introduced the nine graduates of the Honors Program. In addition, Dr. Andrew Linsenbardt, dean of the School of Science and Agriculture, was promoted to full professor.