Delta State University hosts the 2014 Fall Commencement Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. in Walter Sillers Coliseum.Delta State University will celebrate the 2014 Fall Commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Dec. 13 inside Walter Sillers Coliseum. The institution, friends and family will unite to recognize the accomplishments of over 390 graduates.
Special to this year’s celebration is the first group of graduates from the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program in the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing.
The keynote speaker for the commencement address is Dr. Mary Lenn Buchanan, professor emeritus of music at Delta State. Her career in the department spanned 25 years.
Buchanan is considered a consummate musician and performer. Her recitals and solo appearances over the years showed off her rich, expressive and ringing voice. She is also Delta State’s most recent S.E. Kossman Outstanding Teacher Award winner, recognized for her exceptional performance as an outstanding faculty member.
Former Mississippi Governor William Winter will be awarded with an honorary doctoral degree for his contributions to the university and higher education.
Winter served as governor from 1980-1984 and is acclaimed for passing education reform legislation. He is often commended for his strong support of public education, freedom of information, racial reconciliation and historic preservation.
He also founded the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation at the University of Mississippi, and Winter and his institute staff participated in Delta State’s inaugural Winning The Race diversity conference last spring.
Winter’s ties to Delta State and President William N. LaForge run deep, as he was the inaugural speaker for the Colloquia Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series in 2013.
“His leadership and service have impacted the lives of many individuals across our state and nation,” said LaForge. “And we thank him for his many contributions.”
President LaForge will provide introductions at the ceremony, while presentations of candidates and degrees will be lead by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Charles McAdams.
