SPRINGFIELD, Mo., May 16, 2022 — Drury University’s class of 2022 donned caps and gowns to celebrate their academic success during commencement ceremonies this weekend.
The ceremony for Drury GO, Drury’s evening and online programs, and the College of Graduate Studies was held Friday night. And a ceremony for graduates of the traditional day school was held Saturday.
There were 245 traditional residential college graduates, 120 from Drury GO and 75 graduates who earned a master’s degree. Friday’s ceremony also saw the first graduates of new degree programs including Master in Public Service and Safety Leadership and Master in Integrative Leadership.
Passion, Perseverance and Hard Work
On Friday, Drury welcomed Arkansas Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin as commencement speaker. Griffin was first elected in 2014 and is currently serving his second four-year term. During the spring 2022 semester, he taught Professional Development for Public Service at Drury and in fall 2022 he will teach Parties, Elections and Campaigns.
“Use your gifts and all the blessings you’ve been given with this wonderful education to give back and to serve others,” he said during the commencement ceremony. “The world needs you. Your state needs you. Your community needs you. You all have the tools you need with the Drury foundation.”
Enjoy the ride
The honorable Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Wilson served as Saturday’s commencement speaker. He is a Jefferson City native who earned his bachelor’s degree in theatre from Drury University and attended law school at the University of Missouri, where he graduated first in his class. Before taking the podium Saturday, in recognition and honor of his achievements, and on the recommendation of the faculty and the Board of Trustees, Wilson was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law.
While speaking to graduates, he brought a reassuring message, reminding them while they are transitioning into a new phase of life, it gets better.
“None of you has any idea where life will take you, but that’s what makes it fun,” he said. “Don’t believe me? Forty years ago, I was sitting where you’re sitting with a theatre degree and now I’m chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court and I still haven’t figured out what I want to do when I grow up.
“This transition period that has you so worried right now, this is the start of the ride, this is the fun part. That’s why they call it commencement.”
At the conclusion of his speech, Wilson was met with a standing ovation.
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