2016 Lincoln College Commencement packs Lincoln Center

[May 09, 2016]  LINCOLN - The Lincoln Center on the campus of Lincoln College was the scene Saturday for the 2016 Commencement. This was the 149th consecutive commencement for the school, the only university named for President Abraham Lincoln while he was still living.

Lincoln College’s 22nd President in his first year, Dr. David Gerlach, welcomed the graduates, their parents, relatives and friends to the auspicious event.

The student address was given by Cody Garretson of New Holland. Cody graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz studies and received numerous awards while enrolled at LC.

Garretson stressed to his fellow grads that this day marked the completion of their studies at LC, and the beginning of a journey through life. He remarked that the small town atmosphere and the small college environment they have all lived in at Lincoln College, and the caring and excellent professors, will stand them in good stead for their journey ahead.

Following Garretson’s remarks, President Gerlach and Vice President for Academic Affairs, A. Gigi Fansler, Ph.D., took the stage to confer. Actor Hal Holbrook was invited to come forward for conference of his honorary Doctor of Fine Arts.

Mr. Holbrook’s deep study and ultimate renowned portrayals of Abraham Lincoln led Lincoln College trustee, Louise Taper, Ltt.D. to recommend Holbrook for the honor.

You can read more on Mr. Holbrook and his speech in the companion article.

Then the big moment following all the years of cracking the books and writing papers, tests, joys and frustrations, had finally arrived. To the cheers and applause of a full house of family and friends, President Gerlach welcomed all of the new graduates to the stage in the Lincoln Center to receive their diplomas.

Degrees conferred on this day to the 273 graduates included both bachelor and associate in the following areas of study:

• Bachelor of Arts: Liberal Arts, Jazz Studies, Theatre

• Bachelor of Science: Criminal Justice Studies, Health Services Administration, Sport Management

• Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Management

• Bachelor of General Studies

• Bachelor of Applied Management: Entrepreneurship

• Bachelor of Applied Science: Organizational Leadership

• Associate of Arts

• Associate of Science

• Associate of Applied Science: Cosmetology

Following closing ceremonial matters, singing Lincoln College Alma Mater, prayer and recessional; the students began their journey into the world.

[Curtis Fox]