991 students will receive degrees, highest total of honorees
Stetson University expects to graduate 991 students at its 133rd commencement ceremonies next week, setting a new record for the university. The previous record was set in 2017 with 879 graduating students. As in the last couple of years, the graduate and undergraduate ceremonies will be separate.
“We are proud of the Class of 2019, of their achievements, and of the faculty and staff who led them to this point,” said President Wendy B. Libby, Ph.D. “Their success exemplifies the hard work – from everyone at Stetson University — that goes into making a degree a reality.”
Stetson will confer master’s degrees on 174 graduate students from the College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Business Administration on Thursday, May 9, in the Edmunds Center, 5-6 p.m., with a reception for students, family and friends in the Edmunds Center immediately following the ceremony. Doors open for guests at 3:45 p.m. The Edmunds Center is at 143 E. Pennsylvania Ave., DeLand, Florida, 32723.
Stetson will honor 817 undergraduate students at its commencement on Saturday, May 11, 8-10 a.m., in Spec Martin Memorial Stadium. Doors open for guests at 6:45 a.m. Receptions for students, family and friends will be held on the DeLand campus immediately following the ceremony. Visit the commencement website for parking, seating and additional information. The stadium is at 260 E. Euclid Ave., DeLand, Florida, 32724.
On the DeLand campus, students and faculty nominate and vote on the keynote speakers. This year the graduate ceremony keynoters are Stephanie Jean Duncan, College of Arts and Sciences, and Laurie Gene Cummins Warfield, School of Business Administration. The undergraduate speakers are Justin Jordan Dalisay, School of Music, and Zoe Maxine Weaver, College of Arts and Sciences.
Both ceremonies will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person.
In addition to the two commencement ceremonies, Stetson celebrates student achievement with the Army ROTC Commissioning ceremony and Undergraduate Awards & Recognition. Both events will be on Friday, May 10, in Lee Chapel in Elizabeth Hall, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, Florida, 32723. Army ROTC Commissioning will be 10 a.m.-Noon, and the awards event is 3-5 p.m.
About Stetson University
Founded in 1883, Stetson University is the oldest private university in Central Florida. Stetson focuses on intense learning experiences in a supportive community that allows students to develop their voice in a connected, inclusive environment. Stetson University ranks No. 5 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 list of Best Regional Universities (South), and has been recognized as one of The Princeton Review’s 384 Best Colleges, 2019 edition. Stay connected with Stetson on social media.
