SPRINGFIELD, Mo., May 11, 2021 — Drury University will hold two commencements for 2021 graduates on May 14 and 15 at the O’Reilly Family Event Center. Drury typically holds two ceremonies in the spring: one for Drury GO and the College of Graduate Studies, and another for the traditional residential day school.
The ceremony for graduates of Drury GO and the Graduate College will be held at 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 14. The ceremony for graduates of the day school will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 15. There are 170 graduates from Drury GO, 248 graduates from the day school and 61 graduates earning a master’s degree.
As with Drury’s commencements held in August and December, the ceremony will incorporate social distancing and other public health considerations. There will be temperature checks at the door and masks are required for all participants and visitors. One-time use masks will be available for those who do not have them. Seats in the stands will be blocked off to ensure necessary distance between family groups. Graduates were asked to secure tickets for a limited number of family or friends prior to this weekend’s events.
In lieu of a commencement speaker, the university will recognize John and Crystal Beuerlein ’75 with only the second ever Spirit of Drury Award. The award was created to recognize those who have distinguished themselves throughout their careers and embody Drury University’s mission and goals. The Beuerleins have committed decades of service to Drury, including John’s 20-plus years as a member of the Board of Trustees, and are among the university’s most steadfast benefactors in its nearly 150-year history.
Media are welcome to cover the event but are asked to contact executive director of university relations Mike Brothers in advance of arrival.
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Media Contact: Mike Brothers, Executive Director of University Relations – (417) 873-7390 or mikebrothers@drury.edu.
