Lincoln University of Missouri Honors Class of 2023 at Commencement Ceremonies

Lincoln University of Missouri celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2023 on Saturday, May 13, 2023.

Lincoln University of Missouri celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2023 on Saturday, May 13, 2023. The commencement ceremonies took place in the Robert and Charlene Mitchell Auditorium in Richardson Fine Arts Center on Lincoln’s campus. The university, which holds distinction with the U.S. Department of Education as a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), awarded associate, bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degrees. Led by valedictorian Hayden Schwartze and salutatorian Susanna Hain, 50 students graduated with honors: 12 summa cum laude, 11 magna cum laude and 27 cum laude.

Lincoln University President John B. Moseley congratulated the graduates. “It’s a great day at Lincoln University, a day to celebrate the next generation of well-prepared leaders into our community and into our global society,” Moseley said. “We are so very proud of our graduating class and your accomplishments. We’re expecting great things of you and your future.”

Graduates of the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Department of Humanities and Communication, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Liberal Studies and the Department of Science, Technology and Mathematics were recognized at a 9 a.m. ceremony. Senator Brian Williams addressed the graduates as the keynote speaker, where he discussed the importance of never forgetting your roots.

“You have worked hard — enjoy this day,” Williams said. “Enjoy this great accomplishment, then go out and keep working hard. You are our future, and the future is bright. We are depending on you and others will be, too.”

Missouri State Senator Brian Williams addressed the graduates as the keynote speaker during the 9 a.m. ceremony.

The ceremony for the School of Business, the School of Education and the School of Nursing occurred at 1 p.m., where Missouri’s 48th Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe served as keynote speaker. During his speech, he recognized understanding perspectives.

“Today, through hard work and determination, you have illuminated the path to a better future” Kehoe said. “So, with clear eyes and honest hearts, you can now move forward. And this perspective is a powerful tool. So don’t waste it. Use it to make your family stronger. Use it to make your community stronger. Use it to make yourself stronger. Because when you do, you lift us all up.”

Missouri’s 48th Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe served as keynote speaker during the 1 p.m. ceremony.

The weekend also included a 3 p.m. nurse pinning ceremony and the conferral of honorary degrees to Barbara Hill Moore and Michael J. Kampeter. The Presidential Medallion, one of the most prestigious awards bestowed by the university and given by the President, was awarded to the keynote speakers: Senator Brian Williams and Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe.

“We commend you for your hard work and achieving your academic goals,” Moseley said. “Use your skills and your knowledge to achieve even bigger and better.”

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Scroll down to view videos from the commencement ceremonies.