April 29, 2024

VINCENNES, Ind. - Around 575 Vincennes University graduates of the Class of 2024 walked across the stage at the P.E. Complex during Saturday’s 218th annual Spring Commencement.

VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson conferred 2,192 degrees to the Class of 2024 across all campuses and sites. The diverse cohort of graduates represents VU’s commitment to excellence, and showcases the University's widespread impact, with grads hailing from 75 of Indiana’s 92 counties, 27 other states plus the District of Columbia, and six countries, reflecting VU's global presence.

VU Provost Dr. Laura Treanor presided over the ceremony where graduates received bachelor's and associate degrees, as well as certificates of program completion. President Johnson extended greetings to the Class of 2024. The ceremony was streamed live on the VU YouTube channel.

During his greetings, Johnson shared three valuable lessons with the graduates. His first lesson was to "Be Curious," followed by "Be Kind."

“It is fitting that here at Vincennes University where our motto is “Learn in Order to Serve” that doing things for others is one of the best ways we can show kindness,” Johnson said.

His final lesson was to "Count your blessings, not your grievances."

“You can live your life focused on your grievances or focused on your blessings. The former is much easier but leads to a more difficult life. The latter is more difficult but leads to a much better life,” Johnson said.

Leah Curry, a longtime Toyota executive and a native of Southwest Indiana, was presented an Honorary Doctorate of Business, the highest honor bestowed by the University. 

Curry's exceptional leadership, contributions to the automotive and manufacturing industries, and dedication to STEM education were recognized during the ceremony.

She has had a distinguished career of more than 26 years at Toyota, most recently serving as the president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. (TMMI) before retiring. Curry currently works as a corporate advisor for Toyota Motor North America.

Student speaker Elliott Buehl, a double major from Bloomington, Indiana, shared his fond memories of building strong relationships with supportive friends and learning from encouraging professors. Buehl achieved Summa Cum Laude honors in addition to earning two associate degrees - one in Music and the other in Audio Recording.

“Being at VU has helped me navigate my autism in a way I never thought was possible,” he said. “For the first time, I felt like I generally fit in and have been accepted for who I am. We all support each other in all endeavors. Each one of us has a passion for what we do. Each one of us matters. Each one of our passions matters. Know that all of us will make a difference in this world, no matter how small or big. From here, know that we will blaze a trail for ourselves and others no matter what we choose to do. Know that we hold the world in our hands.”

The VU Commencement season continues with May 3 exercises at the American Sign Language – Indianapolis Campus at 4 p.m. (EDT) and Aviation Technology Center – Indianapolis at 7 p.m. (EDT). VU Jasper will host its Commencement on May 4 at 10 a.m. (EDT).

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