2020 Bellevue University Commencement Takes Place at Werner Park
BELLEVUE, Nebraska – More than 300 Bellevue University students received degrees at the 2020 commencement ceremony held on Saturday, Aug. 1, at Werner Park. The ceremony was pushed back and moved to an outdoor location due to the pandemic.
All university staff and volunteers, as well as graduates and attendees, wore face masks.
Among the graduates was Jasmine Stephens, student speaker, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health and Human Performance.
Stephens was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. Prior to attending Bellevue University, she earned an associate’s degree and attended Basic Camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky, where she earned the top ranking in her Regiment and was awarded an end of camp scholarship. During her time at Bellevue University, she was on the women’s cross-country team and earned Dean’s list honors for six straight terms and will graduate with Highest Honors. In May, she was commissioned into the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant.
“The individual aspirations that our students have and that Bellevue University enables are truly remarkable,” said University President Mary Hawkins, “and Jasmine Stephens exemplifies that. The students we serve best are those who, like Stephens, have invested in themselves and are motivated to get to the next level.” After graduation, Stephens will continue her career as an Active Duty Adjutant General Officer assigned to duty in Germany.
Dennis Pate, President and CEO of Omaha’s world renowned Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, as the spring commencement speaker. Pate’s accomplishments are many, including: 1,000-plus additional parking spots for the state’s most popular tourist attraction; new animal exhibits including the Asian Highlands and the African Grasslands; additional community engagement spaces and much more.
According to University Registrar Colette Lewis, the University conferred 680 degrees from Jan. 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020. This includes 446 undergraduate degrees and 234 master’s degrees. Bellevue University now has more than 57,000 graduates worldwide.
Bellevue University Commencement was recently highlighted in a story done by KETV:
View the video story at KETV News
Spring 2020 Commencement Ceremony:
Spring 2020 Student Speaker:
Spring 2020 Commencement Speaker:
Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a non-profit university with more than 60,000 graduates worldwide. The University is a recognized national leader in preparing students for lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills, while making college affordable. Routinely ranked among the nation’s top military and accessible institutions, the University serves residential students at its main campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, and everywhere online with more than 80 degree programs uniquely designed for working adults. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).