SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Dec. 17, 2022 — On Saturday, Dec. 17, Drury University held a commencement ceremony for 162 students. Commencement celebrates an important and special milestone for graduates of all Drury programs including, evening and online program, Drury GO, the College of Graduate Studies and the traditional residential day school. During the 2022 winter commencement there were 85 graduates from Drury GO, 52 graduates from day school and 25 graduates earning a master’s degree.
Springfield Mayor Ken McClure served as commencement speaker. Mayor McClure was elected in April 2017 and re-elected in April 2019 and April 2021. His previous experience includes serving as Vice President for Administrative and Information Services (Emeritus) at Missouri State University; Chief of Staff and Transition Director for former Missouri Governor Matt Blunt; Associate General Manager–Administration for City Utilities of Springfield; and he was appointed by former Governor John Ashcroft as a member, and later as Chairman, of the Missouri Public Service Commission. Mayor McClure is a former Deputy Director-Administration of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, as well as a budget analyst and staff director for the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserves and was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain in 1980.
During commencement, Mayor McClure imparted wisdom and career advice to graduates. “Seek to establish a north star, a point of reference. A north star appears stationary, and it serves as a guide for navigators,” said Mayor McClure. “My north star is that I can do whatever it is that I need to do regardless of how difficult the challenge is.” He also encouraged graduates to examine their leadership styles. “Adopt for yourself the concept of servant leadership. A servant leader is the one who serves others. You are a better leader and a better person when you subscribe to serve,” he continued.
The ceremony took place at Drury’s O’Reilly Family Event Center and can be viewed online at drury.edu/commencement.
Initial photos of 2022 winter commencement.
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Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Director of University Communications and Media Relations – (417) 873-7390 or JCooper020@drury.edu.
