November 30, 2021

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Class of 2021 is getting caps and gowns ready. Soon the chairs at Red Skelton Performing Arts Center will be filled and mid-year graduates will have their names called as they walk across the stage to receive their degrees in the first in-person Commencement ceremonies since Fall 2019.

VU is celebrating the graduating class with Mid-Year Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 4, at the RSPAC. The ceremonies will mark a significant milestone for more than 648 students.

According to VU Provost and Vice President of Instructional Services/Dean of Faculty Dr. Laura Treanor, "Commencement at Vincennes University is a beloved tradition. It is a special occasion that college graduates will remember for the rest of their lives. Vincennes University is pleased to celebrate the Class of 2021 graduates and their academic achievements with an in-person ceremony. We salute them for their outstanding accomplishments, perseverance, and dedication."

VU expects to graduate more than 648 students representing 63 of Indiana’s 92 counties, 32 states, and three countries. The University will confer associate and bachelor’s degrees in addition to certificates to graduates from all VU sites, including VU Jasper, Gibson County Center, American Sign Language in Indianapolis, Aviation Technology Center in Indianapolis, Distance Education, and Military Education. 

Ceremonies are on Dec. 4 at 10:30 a.m. EST and 1 p.m. EST. The morning session is for graduates of the College of Business and Public Service and the College of Humanities. The afternoon session will celebrate graduates in the College of Technology; College of Social Science, Performing Arts, and Communication; College of Health Sciences and Human Performance; College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics; Distance Education; and Certificates.

Jess King of Indianapolis is overjoyed to have the opportunity to cross the stage and accept her bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Public Safety in person.

"I am very excited that my family can come," King said.

The commencement ceremonies are long-awaited and well-deserved celebrations for students who have been persistent in the drive for academic and personal success.

King, who is currently studying for the LSAT exam in hopes of attending law school at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign or the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is delighted she and other graduates can enjoy the communal experience of an in-person gathering.

"It's better than only having a virtual graduation," King said. "I like that they split the graduation by major, which will make it safer and more efficient time-wise."

Treanor will preside over the Commencement exercises. VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson will address graduates.

Olivia Lankford, a Public Relations and Communication major from Vincennes, and Parker Timberman, a General Studies major from Brazil, Indiana, will address their peers as student speakers. 

All commencement ceremonies are ticketed events. Graduates do not need a ticket. Tickets are required for family and guests. Graduates who purchase a cap and gown through Wednesday, Dec. 1, are guaranteed up to four tickets.

Graduates, guests, faculty, and staff are required to wear a mask or face covering in indoor spaces at all VU campuses and sites which includes the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center, per the University's mask policy. Masks and face coverings are not required outdoors.

For those unable to attend in person, the Commencement programs will stream live on Vincennes University's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/vinu1801.

Graduates are encouraged to engage on social media by posting with the hashtag #VUGRAD2021.

For more information about 2021 Mid-Year Commencement Exercises, see https://www.vinu.edu/commencement.

2021 Mid-Year Commencement

Saturday, Dec. 4

Ceremony 1

10:30 a.m.

College of Business and Public Service

College of Humanities

Ceremony 2

1 p.m.

College of Technology

College of Social Science, Performing Arts, and Communication

College of Health Sciences and Human Performance

College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

Distance Education

Certificates

###