More Than 650 Students Set to Receive Degrees at Bellevue University Spring Commencement

BELLEVUE, Nebraska – On Saturday, June 5, more than 650 Bellevue University students are expected to cross the stage at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to receive their diplomas at the University’s spring commencement ceremony. 

Among the graduates will be Kimberly Ruengert, student speaker, who has earned a Master of Healthcare Administration degree. 

Reungert, a Nebraska native, currently serves as Laboratory Manager at Memorial Community Hospital and Health System in Blair, Nebraska. 

The commencement ceremony, which begins at 9:10 a.m. with the procession of graduates and the program starting at 9:30 a.m., will also feature Michael Cassling, CEO of Cassling and previous Chairman of the Bellevue University Board of Directors, as the spring commencement speaker. In addition to his role with Cassling, Cassling is also CEO of CQuence Health Group, a collective of top healthcare organizations formed in 2011 to provide shared services and strategic direction for partner companies.

Five students will also receive their doctoral degrees in a separate hooding ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, June 4, at the John B. Muller Administrative Services Building located on the campus of Bellevue University. During this ceremony, Bellevue University will award Caren “Carey” Beardmore Hamilton with an honorary Doctor of Commerce Degree for her many years of contributions to the business community. 

According to University Registrar Colette Lewis, the University conferred 954 degrees from Jan. 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. This includes 667 undergraduate degrees and 287 master’s degrees. Bellevue University now has more than 57,000 graduates worldwide.

Due to the pandemic, Bellevue University will host a Commencement Week instead of its typical Open House event. Commencement Week will be held June 1-4. For more information, visit bellevue.edu/student-support/graduation/before-ceremony#gradopenhouse

The Mid-America Center 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 be in place and hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the arena. 

The University will stream the commencement ceremony live so those who cannot attend have an opportunity to see students receive their diplomas. Click here to watch the spring commencement ceremony.