On a slightly cool but beautiful morning, excited graduates and their families gathered at the Graves Amphitheater to celebrate the students’ years of hard work as their degrees were conferred.
The crowd of more than a thousand listened as Dr. Ardis Hoven, former Chair of the World Medical Association and former President of the American Medical Association, delivered an inspirational commencement address. Senior class president Kathryn Morgan, of Georgetown, Kentucky addressed the graduating class.
Of the 295 eligible graduates from December 2018 and May 2019, as well as students who expect to fulfill degree requirements during the summer, 141 participated in the ceremony and were presented their diploma by Midway University Board Chair and Alumna Donna Moore Campbell ’62, and President John P. Marsden. Master candidates were presented with their academic hoods as part of the service.
The President’s Award and the Midway Woman Award were presented during the ceremony. The President’s Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a Midway University graduate. This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership and service. The recipient of the award must have maintained at least a 3.75 grade point average. This year’s recipient, Shannon McMahon from Brick, New Jersey, earned her B.S. in Equine Studies: Equine Management. During her four years at Midway University, she demonstrated academic excellence within the equine program; was named to the Dean’s List multiple times and earned the Outstanding Equine Management Student Award. Outside the classroom, she has sought to expand her knowledge, skills and connections through internships, job shadowing and local training sessions by taking advantage of the great equine resources in the area. She has been a member of the Hunt Seat team, served on the executive board of the Midway Horse Association and assisted with Equine Preview Days.
The Midway Woman Award is given to a graduating female undergraduate who demonstrates a profound sense of service to others and is a role model who exemplifies the core values of the University. Additionally, the recipient of the Midway Woman Award must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. This year’s recipient, Kelsey Gravens from Mount Washington, Kentucky, earned her B.A. in Psychology. Her encouraging, positive spirit made an immediate impact on the Midway Softball team and her hard work earned her much recognition through athletics, including being selected team captain and an NAIA all-American. Gravens volunteered with the Frankfort Independent High School softball team, volunteered at the Stewart Home & School in Frankfort and the Homeplace at Midway, in addition to campus involvement in Gamma Beta Phi.
You may view the entire ceremony online on the official Midway University YouTube Channel.
Two photo albums (for pre-commencement and commencement day) are available at the links below.