Based on the college’s 2015-16 theme verse of Mark 12:28-34, Hesston College graduates were encouraged by Commencement speaker Kevin Wilder, to frame their lives with love for God, others and self. President Howard Keim conferred 166 degrees at the May 8 graduation exercises.
The 2016 graduation looked different from those of the past 45 years, as graduates donned the traditional caps and gowns for the first time since 1971. President Keim shared the history of the decision, noting that the class of 1972, under then Student Body President Howard Keim, voted with overwhelming majority to discontinue the practice. The class of 2016 voted by overwhelming majority to reinstate the practice. Keim noted in both instances, the administration reasoned that “graduation is a time to honor the graduates, so the request was granted.”
RaeLee Hightower ’16 (Tulsa, Okla.) takes a selfie with English instructor Donovan Tann. Maelyn Loch ’16 (Wichita, Kan.) receives her nursing pin from instructor Joyce Huber during the 49th Nursing Pinning Ceremony on May 7, that honored 51 nursing graduates. Lisa Harrelson ’09, RN, delivered the message. Harrelson is a critical care nurse at Wesley Medical Center (Wichita), and was honored with the 2015 Kansas Hospital Associate Health Care Worker of the Year award. Parker Eberly ’16 (Narvon, Pa.) receives a certificate of completion for the aviation program from academic assistant Suzanne Burch at a May 7 ceremony honoring 10 graduates of the professional pilot and air traffic control tracks. Ron Kilmer ’85, father of aviation graduate Michael Kilmer ’16 (Glendale, Ariz.) delivered a reception address. Shelby Miller ’16 (Archbold, Ohio) receives her diploma from President Howard Keim. Student speakers Isaiah Crosby ’16 (Ponca City, Okla.) and Emily Kauffman ’16 (Pettisville, Ohio) were nominated by faculty and staff and chosen by students to speak at Commencement. Psychology and Bible instructor Kevin Wilder presented the message “Ultimate Questions,” encouraging graduates through scripture to love God with your whole being, love your neighbor and respect yourself enough so you can show empathy. President Howard Keim ’72 celebrates with (from left) Yuki Torii ’16 (Nishio, Japan), Satoshi Hoshino ’16 (Saitama-ken, Japan) and Shimon Shike ’16 (Iwaki, Japan). Graduates Bryce Nitzshe ’16 (Lincoln, Neb.), Kiara Boettger ’16 (Harrisonburg, Va.), Casey Perez ’16 (Kalona, Iowa) and Meredith Spicher ’16 (Belleville, Pa.) take a final Hesston College photo together while Molly Bruner ’16 (back) jumps in late.
