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More than 600 new and impending Carthage graduates took part in Commencement weekend May 26-28.

About 620 students celebrated the culmination of their Carthage journey during the 2023 Commencement festivities May 26-28.

More than 600 new and impending Carthage graduates took part in Commencement weekend May 26-28. Formal degree conferral took place Friday evening at a ceremony in A.F. Siebert Chapel. Speakers shared congratulatory and wisdom-filled messages.

Selected in a vote by graduating seniors, education professor Nina Weisling gave the faculty address. Like most in the Class of 2023, she arrived at Carthage in fall 2019.

Prof. Weisling advised graduates to cultivate their support systems, follow their guiding lights, and work alongside rather than against one another. Her remarks borrowed from classic movies (“Smokey and the Bandit”), modern TV shows (“Ted Lasso”), and writer Anne Lamott.

“Whatever you do, don’t sit idly by,” she said. “Leave this world to future generations in a better state than it is. Make every day above ground a better day.”

More than 600 new and impending graduates in the Class of 2023 took part in Commencement weekend ... As the recipient of the Distinguished Senior Award, Liam Carls ’23 delivered the senior class address. Describing how he overcame “paralyzing fears,” Mr. Carls urged classmates to embrace the learning curve and focus on things they can control.

“We owe it to ourselves, and to every person that has helped us get to this position, to step off this campus and into the world with a fiery appetite to continue to grow and meet our potential,” he said.

During the ceremony, the College also presented:

  • a Distinguished Alumni Award to Cherie Matthaidess Robinson ’01, vice president of human resources for international stores at Amazon
  • an honorary Doctor of Public Service to Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt of the U.S. Navy, the first American woman to command an aircraft carrier

Author and theologian Jacqueline Bussie spoke at the interfaith Baccalaureate service May 27, 202... Author and theologian Jacqueline Bussie spoke at the interfaith Baccalaureate service May 27, 2023. The next morning, Carthage reconvened at the chapel for the interfaith Baccalaureate service under the theme “Christian Love.” Featured guest Jacqueline Bussie, a longtime religion professor and author of books such as “Love Without Limits” and “Outlaw Christian,” laid out her hopes for their “one wild and precious life.”

Then, at assigned times on Saturday and Sunday, graduates and their supporters enjoyed an extended procession and ceremonial stage walk. Diplomas were handed out, signifying their completion of the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Education, Master of Music, or Master of Science degree.

Earlier in May, as part of the Celebration of Scholars, Carthage held a Multicultural Celebration. Judge Cynthia Thomas Walker ’78 spoke at the event, which highlighted underrepresented segments in the Class of 2023 such as students of color, those who identify as LGBT+, and first-generation college students.

Watch for albums of more photos from Commencement weekend on the Carthage Flickr page in the coming days!

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Meet the speakers and honorees

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