This week, nearly 350 online students are joining the 274,000-plus living alumni who proudly count themselves graduates of the University of Missouri. Mizzou's summer and fall 2014 online commencement ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of those students who have completed their education at a distance. Of those, 97 have earned their bachelor's, and 250 are receiving their graduate and doctoral degrees.
"The online ceremony honors these graduating students who have made their education a priority despite the challenges, especially as many have had to juggle hours of course work with full-time jobs, family and other commitments," says Kim Siegenthaler, Mizzou Online director. "These graduates all have exhibited tremendous commitment to achieve their degrees; we're extremely proud of their perseverance and dedication — and we hope that the graduates will forward the commencement link so their proud friends and families can also celebrate this life accomplishment."
This group of online graduates range in age from 20 to 62, hailing from 35 states and four other countries in North America, Europe and Asia. Of the graduates, 229 are from Missouri.
Much like the on-campus commencement exercises taking place in the coming days, the online ceremony features speeches by several campus leaders, including Interim Provost Kenneth D. Dean and Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies and e-Learning Jim Spain.
The virtual graduation experience also includes activities for graduates and their supporters. Well-wishers can leave congratulatory notes for individuals or groups of online graduates in the guest book, where visitors can read inspiring messages written by others, and graduating students also can post pictures of themselves in the photo gallery.
Friends, families and fellow Tigers: Please congratulate the graduates by posting in the guest book.
For more information about the on-campus graduation ceremonies please visit the Registrar's commencement page.