Newberry College Welcomes 65 Graduates to the Ranks of Alumni

Newberry College hosted its winter commencement ceremony for the Class of 2017, celebrating the accomplishments of 65 graduates on Thursday, Dec. 14, in Wiles Chapel.

“Today is to recognize the achievements of our seniors seated before us in caps and gowns,” said Newberry College president Dr. Maurice Scherrens. “It is important that we acknowledge the contributions – emotional, spiritual and financial – of the parents, grandparents, spouses and other family members of the graduates of the Class of 2017.”

Newberry College conferred the Honorary Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, on
The Rev. J. Harry Crout in recognition of his service to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and for his ongoing involvement in the ministries of mercy and justice.

The Newberry College Student Government Association each spring honors a Newberry faculty member with the “Professor of the Year” award. That professor has the distinction of serving as commencement speaker at the December ceremony.

In his role as the 2017 Professor of the Year, The Rev. Dr. Wayne Kannaday ‘75, professor of Religion, shared a few words of wisdom with the class. Kannaday congratulated the graduates for making it to graduation, but challenged them to make three more things.

“Make a life, make a living and make a difference,” he said. “We pass the baton to the next generation,” Kannaday said in his concluding remarks. “We need you to make a difference … Don’t ever think you can’t. You can change the world.”

Alumni Association president Mary Grate-Pyos ’81 welcomed the graduating class to the ranks of proud Newberry College alumni.

“This is neither the end of your journey nor the end of your relationship with Newberry College,” she said. “Go forth from this campus an educated citizen and alumnus of this fine institution.”

Watch the Winter 2017 commencement ceremony on the Newberry  College YouTube channel.