May 7 commencement ceremonies awarded over 150 Bluffton University graduates with masters and bachelors degrees. This was the 122nd annual commencement at the univeristy. The event was held in the Sommer Center with the procession of dignitaries, graduates and facutly led by President Jane Wood.

The invocation was made by Cheryl Hacker, '81, Board of Trustees Chair.

The commencement address was made by Peter Strange, Chairman Emeriturs of Messer, Inc. who commented to the Icon on this graduating class: "The resilience that has been built into their college experience, with all of these [pandemic] challenges, will serve them well. Life is what happens when you think you're making plans. Now they know that even if they can't control it, they can work from their spot and lead from their space."

Strange also noted that in his work experience it is student co-ops who ask the questions that disturb the "the shared background of obviousness" (an MIT concept) that impedes change and growth.

President Wood recognized Diane E. Neal, Assistant Professor of Education, on her retirement.

Dr. L. Lamar Nisly presented Recognition of Honors and with President Wood the presentation of graduates and conferring of degrees.

Each graduate had the opportunity to accept the Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility, which reads: "I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work."