VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University held its 214th Commencement on May 4 at the P.E. Complex.

The Class of 2019 included graduates from 84 Indiana counties, 33 states, and 4 countries, representing all VU sites. The class totaled more than 1,884 eligible members.

About 591 members walked in the ceremony attended by an at-capacity crowd. Graduates receiving associate degrees or certificates walked across the stage wearing blue graduation gowns, while graduates earning a bachelor’s degree were clad in black gowns.

VU President Dr. Charles Johnson delivered the commencement address.

He urged graduates to think critically and shared what he often hears about VU when traveling throughout Indiana, the United States, and internationally.

“I hear Vincennes University is probably the best kept secret in terms of education and maybe in the Midwest,” he said.

“I am here to tell you the secret is out. More and more we are coming up on the radar of key employers and state leaders. We have individuals who are coming to us to get quality education to help them with their workforce. More than two dozen companies in Indiana and throughout the United States work directly with Vincennes University on work-based learning program to help them with their talent pipeline. We’re talking about companies like Cummins, Caterpillar, Toyota, Subaru, Jasper Engines, Republic Airlines, John Deere, Kimball International, and many others who choose Vincennes University as their partner in workforce development.”

Johnson also conveyed what VU graduates shared in a recent national alumni satisfaction survey conducted by Gallup.

“Overwhelmingly graduates said Vincennes University made an impact positively on their lives, 93 percent said they’d earn their associate degree again and over 90 percent said they’d come back to Vincennes University to do that,” Johnson said.

“We think that says Vincennes University is delivering on its quality education promise and that we think it provides long-term value by helping you be successful in your life.”

In the survey, VU scored higher than other schools in Indiana and outpaced the national averages in several areas.

“Our Vincennes University alumni say someone made a difference in their experience whether it was a faculty member, a classmate, a staff person or someone in the lunch line,” Johnson said. “That speaks volumes about the dedication of the people that we have here at Vincennes University and their commitment to helping you be successful. Overwhelmingly, Vincennes University alumni said Vincennes University gave them not only the foundation academically, but the confidence to be successful in their next pursuits in life.”

Johnson began his address by asking graduates to give a round of applause to family members and supporters who have stood by them. He also asked the graduates to thank with applause the faculty and staff who have helped make VU a place where students succeed.

Dr. Laura Treanor, provost and vice president of Instructional Services, presided over the commencement exercises. Chad Beaman, president of the Faculty Senate, convened the ceremony. Degrees were presented by College Deans Joan Puckett, College of Humanities; Dr. Nicole Shankle, Early College; Michelle Cummins, College of Health Science and Human Performance; Curt Coffman, College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics; Ty Freed, College of Technology; Anna Miller, College of Business and Public Service; and Dr. Cynthia Ragle, College of Social Science, Performing Arts, and Communication.

Phil Rath, vice president for Financial Services and Government Relations, gave the welcome address. David Tucker, vice president of Workforce Development and Community Services, welcomed the graduates into the Alumni Association.

Bryce Mattox, president of the Student Government Association, led the Pledge of Allegiance and gave the closing statement. Jayna Carie sang the National Anthem. The VU Campus Police Cadet Honor Guard presented and retired the Colors.

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Vincennes University Newsroom

MARCIA MARTINEZ, University Life Reporter & Sports Information Director
   812-888-4164 office, 314-599-1519 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, mmartinez@vinu.edu
VICKIE PUFFER, Communications Coordinator & Online Newsroom Manager
   812-888-4162 office, 812-887-4635 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, vpuffer@vinu.edu
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/news/newsroom