Lee University spring commencement ceremony
Lee University spring commencement ceremony
Lee University spring commencement ceremony
Lee University spring commencement ceremony
Lee University spring commencement ceremony
Lee University spring commencement ceremony
Lee University spring commencement ceremony
Lee University spring commencement ceremony
Lee University spring commencement ceremony
Lee University conferred 485 degrees during its spring commencement ceremony. Friends, family, and the Lee community gathered as Dr. Randolph Lowry inspired graduates in Lee’s traditional ceremony, held on the South Campus Quad Lawn.
During his commencement address, Dr. Lowry encouraged graduates to carry courage with them in two ways. First, during times of transition, reminding them that personal growth often requires stepping out of familiar places. He assured them that their community had prepared them well and that the courage they needed is already within them. Second, he spoke about the value of failure, noting that while success is worth celebrating, real growth often comes from moments of struggle.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, Dr. Lowry urged students to measure themselves not by their successes, but by their ability to rise after falling. With this message, graduates were inspired to recognize the strength they already carry and move forward with quiet confidence into whatever comes next.
Dr. Lowry was the president of Lipscomb University in Nashville from 2005 through 2021. Under his leadership, Lipscomb emerged as one of the top universities in the Southeast. He is also a nationally recognized attorney and one of the nation’s leading experts in the dispute resolution field with over 40 years of experience.
Dr. Lowry received his Juris Doctor from Hamline University and both his master’s degree in public administration and bachelor’s degree in political science from Pepperdine University.
Of the 485 degrees conferred on Saturday, there were 393 undergraduates and 92 graduate degrees. Of the 92 graduate degrees, six were doctoral. The spring event is one of three graduation weekends at Lee each year. Lee also holds commencements in July and December.
Saturday’s ceremony was preceded by a pinning ceremony for nursing graduates; a hooding ceremony for recipients of master’s degrees, education specialist degrees, and doctoral degrees; and the Commissioning Service on Friday, which featured several graduating participants including five student speakers sharing their Lee experience.
This year’s student participants included Lily Thi Elizabeth Allen of Cleveland; Christian Cline of Alpharetta, Ga.; Jonathan De La Garza of Josephine, Texas; Chloe Dixon of Easton, Md.; Dr. Shalee Lastoria of Cleveland; Tumelo Lisulo of Columbia, Md.; Daniel Puckett of Damascus, Md.; JJ Williams of Franklin, Tn.; Luke Wilson of Oxford, Ga.; and Ryan Wommack of Midland, Ga. Among those celebrating was Jordan Smith, winner of Season 9 of “The Voice,” who returned to campus to receive his diploma. He also performed with the Lee Singers during Saturday’s ceremony.
For more information about Commencement weekend, contact the Academic Events Office at graduation@leeuniversity.edu or visit leeuniversity.edu/academics/graduation-info/.
To view the events, visit leeu.live.