More Than 300 Students Set to 'Round the Bases' and Receive Degrees at Spring Commencement

BELLEVUE, Nebraska – On Saturday, Aug. 1, 300 Bellevue University students are expected to “cross home plate” at Werner Park in Papillion, Nebraska, and receive their diplomas at the University’s commencement ceremony. The ceremony was pushed back and moved to an outdoor location due to the pandemic.

Among the graduates will be Jasmine Stephens, student speaker, who has 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.

The commencement ceremony, which begins at 9:10 a.m., will also feature 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.

Werner Park and Bellevue University are requiring masks be worn by staff, faculty, graduates and guests. This is for the safety of all in attendance. Social distancing guidelines will also be in place. Hand sanitizing stations will be located throughout the park.

The University streams the commencement ceremony live so those who cannot attend have an opportunity to see students receive their diplomas. The live streaming link is available on the Bellevue University website starting at 8 a.m., Central Standard Time.