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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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/news/newsroom