SPRINGFIELD, Mo., May 15, 2021 — Drury University’s Class of 2021 donned caps and gowns to celebrate their academic success during commencement ceremonies this weekend. Events on Friday and Saturday marked the end of an unusual and often trying academic year conducted amid a pandemic.
The ceremony for graduates of evening and online programs, now called Drury GO, and graduates of the College of Graduate Studies was held Friday night. A ceremony for graduates of the traditional residential college was held today. In total, 479 graduates earned degrees across all Drury programs.
There were 231 degrees conferred during the ceremony for the Drury GO and the College of Graduate Studies on Friday, and 234degrees conferred during the residential college undergraduate ceremony on Saturday. Some students earned multiple degrees.
Perseverance and Strength
Alumni Council President Joel Alexander ’83 addressed the graduates both days, reminding them that their Drury education has prepared them well for a life and career of dynamic changes.
“Your Drury experience taught you perseverance,” Alexander said. “You accomplished your goals despite having to reach them in new and different ways. Most importantly, while our united plan of attack may have changed several times, the goal remained the same and here we are at graduation.”
“Uncertainty is part of life,” he added. “But in the confidence gained in the last year, we have all found peace and strength, and the certainty to navigate through whatever life may throw our way.”
During ceremonial remarks, Dr. Peter Meidlinger, professor of English, reminded the Saturday graduates that most of them began their Drury career under the shadow of a solar eclipse, which occurred during their orientation weekend in August 2017. The eclipse and the pandemic made for unusual bookends to this time of their lives, he said, and served as reminders about “the wonder, the mystery and terror of life, and the degree to which we all depend upon each other.”
Beuerleins receive Spirit of Drury Award
During Saturday’s ceremony, the university honored John and Crystal Beuerlein with the Spirit of Drury Award. It was only the second time the university has bestowed the honor, which was created to recognize those who have distinguished themselves throughout their careers and embody Drury University’s mission and goals. Nominees can be educators, scholars, professionals or community leaders who have championed the value of the liberal arts for education or for scholarly or professional endeavors, especially through an interdisciplinary approach.
The Beuerleins met as students at Drury College and graduated with business degrees in 1975. They married soon after graduation and began building a life together in St. Louis. Crystal began work for a St. Louis mortgage company and John joined Edward Jones, retiring in 2018 as general partner.
The Beuerleins made their first of many gifts to Drury in 1985, and their unwavering support over the course of the next 37 years has placed them among the most generous and steadfast benefactors in the university’s nearly 150-year history. The pair’s legacy includes support for building projects, academic programs and scholarships and financial aid for Drury students. This legacy also includes supporting their alma mater through service, including John’s two decades as a member of the Board of Trustees.
After receiving their citation, John addressed the graduates, advising them to seek out organizations that align with their values throughout their career and to never stop looking for new challenges.
“When you are uncomfortable, you are growing,” he said.
Noting the success Drury graduates have demonstrated for generations, Beuerlein also reminded the graduates that happiness comes not from material wealth but from within and from what one does for others.
“Be generous,” he said. “Karma is real. True happiness comes from what you give away, not what you keep.”
Photos from both commencement ceremonies are attached.
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