COMMENCEMENT 2023

Every Westminster College Commencement is a beautiful occasion—even with a few raindrops. Hearts were full and smiles were broad at the College’s 169th spring commencement ceremony on May 13—even as the skies and umbrellas opened midway through the exercises.

The day’s festivities began with a morning baccalaureate service in the Will W. Orr Auditorium with the Rev. Dr. Asa J. Lee, president of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, providing the message, “Is It Time to Go?” Baccalaureate student senior speakers included Tyler Dickson Janae Johnson, Tiwan Jones, Emiley Kushner, Olivia Ledbetter and Katherine Mozelewski

Afternoon commencement exercises were held on the Weisel Senior Terrace, where 217 bachelor’s degrees were conferred. Three students earned dual Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Fourteen students received Master of Education degrees and 10 earned Master of Business Administration degrees.

“The Class of 2023 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,” Westminster College President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson. ”This class has demonstrated leadership in student organizations, musicianship in ensembles and choirs, intellectual curiosity through undergraduate research, professional achievement in internships and practicums, and athletic talent on the fields, the courts and gymnasiums. Class of 2023, your tenacity, resilience and goodwill have inspired us.”

“As you embark on your new beginnings, I pray that you will take with you so many things from your years at Westminster—the knowledge, your relationships and your memories will ground you as you begin your new ventures,” she said. “Thank you for sharing your lives with us here at Mother Fair. We send you on to your new beginnings with heartfelt good wishes and deep support.”

Lindsey Oliver of Webster, N.Y., offered the senior address during commencement exercises. The criminal justice studies and psychology major, All-College Honors student and magna cum laude graduate presented her “Letter to Westminster.”

“No one expected a pandemic to seize the entire world in a matter of weeks just a few months into our freshman year, but you stood tall,” she said. “You changed and adjusted and we followed suit. You taught us to adapt to whatever circumstances we found ourselves in.”

Oliver also spoke of the spirit of community at Westminster, as well as the faculty and staff commitment to student success.

“Your faculty and staff have not only taught us the knowledge and skills we need to succeed in our future careers, but also a love of learning that we will carry with us the rest of our lives,” she said. “They built the foundation that we needed in order to explore the field on our own and they guided us every step of the way.”

Senior vocalists Hannah Bossinger and Kacie Rumbaugh sang the Westminster College Alma Mater at the close of the afternoon commencement ceremony.

The prestigious Distinguished Faculty Award was also presented to Dr. Russell Martin, professor of history. (See page 20 for more.)

Twelve students earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees—the College’s third cohort—were celebrated during a pinning ceremony on the eve of commencement.