168th Commencement 2022

COMMENCEMENT 2022

Perhaps it was the joyous occasion celebrating the milestone achievements of this year’s graduates or maybe it was the College’s return to one full ceremony since 2019, but either way, smiles abounded at Westminster’s 168th Commencement ceremony on May 14.

“We are blessed to be able to gather together for one ceremony this year to celebrate the Class of 2022,” said Westminster College President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson. “This class faced unprecedented challenges during their years at Westminster. And their perseverance and commitment made it possible for them to achieve the worthy goal of graduating. I’m deeply proud of their achievements—and even more proud of the ways they supported each other and the Westminster community during the long two years of the pandemic. Class of 2022, you truly make me Titan proud.”

William Rankin ’60, trustee emeritus of the Westminster College Board of Trustees, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during the ceremony (see more on page 26). Rankin offered words of advice to the Class of 2022, encouraging them to set goals, maintain a positive attitude, work hard, be kind and love what you do.

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COMMENCEMENT 2022

“Believe in yourself,” Rankin said. “You have a great Westminster education. Believe in yourself and travel the road to success.”

Senior class speaker John “Jack” Karson ’22, an individual interdisciplinary major, said that although the future is not known, he and his fellow classmates should embrace their tabula rasa—clean slate.

“It’s easy to fear the future after college, especially with the daily news of oppression around the globe and injustice in our own communities. But when so many must navigate life under evil’s thumb, embrace the gift of choice,” Karson said. “We are Westminster Titans. We run toward possibility. We face the unknown and we help each other along the way.”

Two hundred and sixty-four bachelor’s degrees were conferred, including 99 Bachelor of Arts, 139 Bachelor of Science, seven Bachelor of Music and 19 Bachelor of Nursing degrees. An additional 42 master’s degrees were conferred, including 25 Master of Education, 10 Master of Business Administration and seven Master of Arts degrees.

The day’s festivities began with a morning Baccalaureate service with the Rev. Dr. Donna Giver-Johnston ’90, pastor of Community Presbyterian Church in Ben Avon, Pa., offering the address “Who Are You?”

Graduating baseball players were absent from Saturday’s festivities in order to compete in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Tournament Championship game at Washington & Jefferson. The College hosted a separate ceremony for the players and their families on Monday, May 16, in Wallace Memorial Chapel.

Senior class speaker Jack Karson From top: Shaemour Young with Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Dr. Jamie McMinn // Bill Rankin '60, center, with Board Chair Jeffrey McCandless '80 and President Richardson // Tyree Reader offers the opening prayer at the Baccalaureate service // The Rev. Dr. Donna Giver-Johnston ’90 provides the keynote address at Baccalaureate.