WILSON, N.C. — The sun shone brightly on the Barton College community as they celebrated Commencement on Sunday, May 22.
Some 235 seniors participated in the 109th annual commencement exercises. Dr. Norval C. Kneten presided over his eighth commencement program as president of Barton College. Dr. Terrence L. Grimes, vice president for academic affairs, presented the graduating class.
Daniel J. Gerlach, president of the Golden LEAF Foundation, delivered the commencement address.
Participating in this year’s commencement ceremony were students who completed their baccalaureate degree requirements in December 2010 and May 2011, as well as candidates who expect to fulfill requirements over the summer.
The three highest honors presented to Barton students: the Coggins Cup, the Hilley Cup, and the Hemby Leadership Cup, were awarded during the program. The Coggins Cup, presented annually to the student voted best all-around by the Barton faculty and staff, was awarded to Tiffany Joy Lievense of Wilson, who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Art & Design. The Hilley Cup, presented annually to the graduating senior with the highest cumulative grade point average, was also awarded to Tiffany Joy Lievense. The Hemby Leadership Cup, presented to the graduating senior, who in the estimation of the college community (including students, faculty and staff) has demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout a career at Barton College, was awarded to Mallory Elizabeth Magelli of Wilmington, who graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and Philosophy.
The Jefferson-Pilot Faculty Member of the Year awards, presented annually to two faculty members, were awarded to Dr. Rodney A. Werline, Leman and Marie Barnhill Endowed Chair in Religious Studies and associate professor of religion and philosophy, and J. Christian Wilson, professor of art. The awards include a cash stipend for international study in conjunction with Barton’s international emphasis.
Corey H. Lynch of Roanoke Rapids, senior class president, addressed the graduating class and also offered appreciation for the support and guidance from professors, staff, families, and friends on behalf of his fellow classmates. Whit D. Coolbaugh, class of 2003, president of the Barton College Alumni Association and its Alumni Board, brought greetings to graduating seniors on behalf of the Alumni Association.
The Reverend Hollie E. Woodruff, chaplain of the college, officiated at the baccalaureate service and delivered the sermon on Sunday morning.
Other commencement festivities during the weekend included a luncheon for seniors and their parents on Saturday afternoon, hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Norval C. Kneten, at the Barton-Graves House. The pinning ceremony for the graduates of the School of Nursing was held on Friday evening, May 20, in Howard Chapel.
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Questions? Please contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu.