New graduates celebrate their successes, look forward to new beginnings during commencement weekend

by | May 13, 2024

UMSL saluted more than 1,700 spring and summer graduates during five commencement ceremonies, and photographer Derik Holtmann captured some of the joyous scenes.
Nursing students celebrate near the end of a commencement ceremony

Nursing students, including (at left) Olivia Roesner and Kennady Carter (center), celebrate near the end of Saturday morning’s commencement ceremony at the Mark Twain Athletic Center. (Photos by Derik Holtmann)

The University of Missouri–St. Louis community gathered to celebrate the achievements of more than 1,700 spring and summer graduates during five commencement ceremonies on Friday and Saturday. UMSL photographer Derik Holtmann was on hand throughout the weekend to capture some of the joyous scenes, beginning with Friday afternoon’s event honoring graduates of the College of Optometry.

 

Dr. Kathleen Boland hoods new College of Optometry graduate Dr. Samantha Knoblauch and Dean Dr. Keshia Elder looks on during Friday's ceremony for the College of Optometry

Dr. Kathleen Boland hoods new College of Optometry graduate Dr. Samantha Knoblauch as Dean Dr. Keshia Elder looks on during the ceremony at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center.

 

Dr. Anne Ream (center) joins new graduates of the College of Optometry in reciting The Optometric Oath

Dr. Anne Ream (center) joins new graduates of the College of Optometry in reciting The Optometric Oath. Ream, a member of the College of Optometry’s first graduating class, delivered Friday afternoon’s commencement address.

 

New graduate Dr. Joebelle Pastores Bonete celebrates with family and friends in the Terrace Lobby following the ceremony.

New graduate Dr. Joebelle Pastores Bonete celebrates with family and friends in the Terrace Lobby following the ceremony.

 

The Mark Twain Athletic Center filled with spectators during a commencement ceremony

The Mark Twain Athletic Center served as the site for the rest of the weekend’s ceremonies. The stands were packed with family and friends Friday night eager to celebrate graduates from the College of Business Administration and the UMSL/Washington University Joint Undergraduate Engineering Program.

 

Student Marshal Angela Truesdale leads in graduates from the College of Business Administration

Student Marshal Angela Truesdale, an accounting major, leads in graduates from the College of Business Administration on Friday evening.

 

New graduate Sachin Sharma takes a selfie with his advisor Vivek Singh, an assistant professor in the Department of Information Systems and Technology. Sharma received his Doctor of Business Administration during commencement on Friday evening

Sachin Sharma (at left) takes a selfie with Vivek Singh, an assistant professor in the Department of Information Systems and Technology. Sharma received his Doctor of Business Administration during commencement on Friday evening.

 

Engineering students Lorne St. Christopher II and Bushra Zaidi stand to be recognized for their accomplishments in the the Pierre Laclede Honors College.

Engineering students Lorne St. Christopher II and Bushra Zaidi stand to be recognized for their accomplishments in the the Pierre Laclede Honors College.

 

Provost Steven J. Berberich places a hood around retired Ameren Executive Chairman Warner Baxter while presenting him with an honorary doctorate as College of Business Administration Dean Shu Schiller and Chancellor Kristin Sobolik look on

Provost Steven J. Berberich places a hood around retired Ameren Executive Chairman Warner Baxter while presenting him with an honorary doctorate as College of Business Administration Dean Shu Schiller and Chancellor Kristin Sobolik look on.

 

UMSL alum Joseph Yancey delivers the commencement address to graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Nursing on Saturday morning.

Alum Joseph Yancey delivers the commencement address to graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Nursing on Saturday morning.

 

Music graduate Rachel Anthonis, who sang the national anthem at Saturday morning's ceremony, receives congratulations from Chancellor Sobolik as she walks across the stage.

Music graduate Rachel Anthonis, who sang the national anthem at Saturday morning’s ceremony, receives congratulations from Chancellor Sobolik as she walks across the stage.

 

Biology graduate Alexander Entwhistle, who last fall received the Remington R. Williams Award from the University of Missouri System Board of Curators, shakes hands with Curator Julie Brncic.

Biology graduate Alexander Entwhistle, who last fall received the Remington R. Williams Award from the University of Missouri System Board of Curators, shakes hands with Curator Julie Brncic.

 

College of nursing graduate Erik Ferney glances back for a photo during commencement

College of Nursing graduate Erik Ferney glances back for a photo after walking across the stage to receive his diploma.

 

Teaching Professor Lynn Staley hugs studio art graduate Bob Madden after he receives his diploma.

Teaching Professor Lynn Staley hugs studio art graduate Bob Madden after he receives his diploma.

 

Accounting Professor Steve Moehrle fist bumps a graduate of the College of Business Administration after she leaves the stage.

Accounting Professor Steve Moehrle fist bumps a graduate of the College of Business Administration after she leaves the stage.

 

Chancellor Kristin Sobolik takes a photo of UMSL alum Alex Kerford before he welcomed the new alumni

Chancellor Sobolik takes a photo of UMSL alum Alex Kerford (BLS, 2012) before he welcomed the new alumni during Saturday morning’s ceremony.

A graduate takes photos with friends and family members holding up masks in front of their faces after commencement

Friends and family members take pictures with one of the graduates outside the Mark Twain Athletic Center after Saturday morning’s ceremony.

 

Nursing graduate Beauty Tinyan poses for photos outside with bouquets of money she received from her family

Nursing graduate Beauty Tinyan poses for photos outside with bouquets of money she received from her family.

 

Find more commencement photos and highlights from the 2023-24 academic year on Flickr and Instagram.

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