More Than 650 Receive Degrees at Bellevue University 2022 Spring Commencement
On Saturday, June 4, more than 650 Bellevue University students crossed the stage at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to receive their diplomas at the University’s 2022 spring commencement ceremony.
Among the graduates was Ashlea Rodriguez, student speaker, who graduated with her Master of Arts degree in Business and Professional Communication. Rodriguez, is a U.S. Air Force veteran, a mother, a working adult learner, a first-generation college student.
“The individual aspirations that our students have and that Bellevue University enables are truly remarkable,” said University President Dr. Mary Hawkins. “The students we serve best are those who, like Ashlea, have invested in themselves and are motivated to succeed at the next level.”
The commencement ceremony also featured comments from L. Javier Fernandez, President and CEO of Omaha Public Power District (OPPD). OPPD is a publicly owned electric utility serving an estimated 853,000 people, more than any other electric utility in Nebraska. Fernandez is also a member of the Bellevue University Board of Directors.
Five students also received their doctoral degrees in a separate hooding ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 3, at the John B. Muller Administrative Services Building located on the campus of Bellevue University. Alicia Stoermer Clark, Chief Executive Officer of the Seldin Company,, deliver comments at the ceremony. Clark is a Bellevue University alumni and earned her Ph.D. in Human Capital Management.
According to University Registrar Colette Lewis, the University conferred 767 degrees from Jan. 1, 2022 through March 31, 2022. This includes 500 undergraduate degrees and 276 graduate degrees. Bellevue University now has nearly 60,000 graduates worldwide.
Bellevue University also host a Commencement Open House event on its main campus on Friday, June 4. For more information, visit https://www.bellevue.edu/student-support/graduation/before-ceremony#gradopenhouse
The University streamed the commencement ceremony live so those who could not attend had an opportunity to see students receive their diplomas. Click here to watch the spring commencement ceremony.
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).