Record Number of LWC Graduates Cross the Stage During Two-Day Celebration

PICTURED: Elementary education graduate Dana Watts from Russell Springs, Kentucky, moves her tassel from right to left to signify her transition from student to graduate during Lindsey Wilson College’s 117th commencement ceremony on Saturday, April 29. The Class of 2023 was the largest ever in school history with a record 743 degrees conferred.

COLUMBIA, KY. – When Counseling and Human Development graduate Krystal Clarke was searching for a respected online program to advance her counseling education, Lindsey Wilson College stood out among the crowded options.

“I was looking for online schools that were well-rated with a counseling program and LWC came up as one of the best,” said Clark from Bel Air, Maryland, who traveled to Columbia to be part of LWC’s commencement ceremony.

Despite attending LWC 100% online, Clarke said it was important for her to take part in LWC’s commencement ceremony in person.

“I’ve had a great experience and the teachers have been wonderfully supportive,” said Clarke who participated in the Friday evening ceremony. “I put in the work, I felt like I did a great job and I wanted to have this moment to celebrate it.”

Clarke was a member of LWC’s largest-ever graduating class in the 120-year history of the liberal arts college. The 117th commencement celebration was held over two days to accommodate the large crowd in Biggers Sports Center.

A total of 363 degrees were conferred on Friday and Saturday for the 2023 spring class. That number includes 210 undergraduate degrees and 153 graduate degrees. Combined with the 380 degrees awarded at LWC's winter commencement ceremony, Lindsey Wilson awarded a record 743 degrees to the Class of 2023. To put that number into perspective – the college awarded a total of 558 degrees in 2013 – a 33% increase in ten years.

As a residential student, Dana Watts from Russell Springs, Kentucky, participated in the Saturday morning commencement activities.

“I absolutely loved living on campus,” said Watts, an elementary education graduate. “I met so many people from all over the state and all over the world. I was involved in many things which really kept me busy but helped me to experience the campus fully. I have had the best four years of my life.”

In addition to the two commencement ceremonies, LWC also honored its nursing students on Thursday evening. The Lindsey Wilson College Nursing Division honored 11 seniors with a pinning and a Blessing of the Hands ceremony.

A total of 24 members from the LWC classes of 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1973 were inducted into the Golden Alumni Society on Friday evening in the Norma and Glenn Hodge Center for Discipleship. The Golden Alumni Society recognizes graduates who are celebrating 50 years since earning their LWC degrees. The COVID-19 pandemic halted the tradition for the last four years.

Click here to view and download photos from LWC spring commencement, day 1 & 2, April 28 & 29, 2023.
Click here to see a photoblog from LWC spring commencement.
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