Following the newly established tradition of separate ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate commencements, mid-December saw more than seven hundred students receive their SU degrees.

A Friday evening ceremony, with keynote speaker, Barbara Cross ’04m was for master’s degree candidates. Cross, a Cumberland County commissioner and retired military, offered two acronyms to the graduates. SHIP (Show up, Humility, Integrity, Preparation) works as a reminder for good employee habits. By extension, KNOW (Knowledge, Notice, Optimism, World) is a reminder to learn and notice everything one can about the organizations one works for, be optimistic, and take time to explore the world. The university awarded 236 master’s degrees.

At the Saturday ceremony, Jerome Dean ’82 a special agent for the Environmental Protection Agency, extolled the virtues of integrity, accountability, and ethics. Welcoming the new graduates into the Ship alumni family, Dean urged them to serve their communities and their alma mater. He also encouraged them to find something they could be passionate about and to hold to high standards and accountability in whatever they do. There were 464 bachelor’s degrees awarded in addition to recognizing the recipients of the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award – Colette Raebiger ’95, Aimee Steel ’96, and Philip Stump ’97-’98.

Top, clockwise from left: President Ruud is happy to see graduates and their families. Turning the tassel to signify graduation. Barbara Cross ’04m used KNOW SHIP in her address to masters’ candidates. Deans Johnson and Mike congratulate graduates from their respective colleges. Representatives from the Class of 1958 led the procession. Jerome Dean ’82 (right) urged graduates to make room for service in their lives.