McPherson College conferred Master of Education, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Science degrees on 158 students at the 136th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at McPherson Stadium.
Dr. Kim Stanley, professor of English at McPherson College, was the commencement speaker. Professor Stanley taught in the MC English department for 36 years and retired at the end of the 2024 academic year. She is among the most beloved and sought-after professors on campus and engaged in impactful ways across campus during her tenure. She is a discussion leader for the book talks sponsored by the Kansas Humanities Council, and worked with prisoners in the Hutchinson Correctional Facility, encouraging them to read storybooks to their young children.
In her speech, Dr. Stanley shared quotes from some of the freshman composition papers turned in four years ago by members of the Class of 2024, reminding them to look for the poetry within themselves.
“In your adult world, you’ll be facing challenges that my generation didn’t have to meet,” she said. “I hope that your time here has helped you develop the virtues of tolerance, fairness, cooperation, kindness, and courage that you’re going to need to face that world.”
Taylor Bohannon, the senior class representative, also addressed the students.
The commencement ceremony concluded with Dr. Michael Schnieder, president of McPherson College, who encouraged students always to remember their time at McPherson College.
“As you make your way out into the world, don’t forget to come back occasionally,” he said. “And don’t forget who you are. You are Bulldogs!”
Names of the graduating class of 2024 and the commencement video can be found at: www.mcpherson.edu/graduation.