Join us in celebrating more than 220 online graduates

College of Arts and Science Dean Patricia Okker.

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More than 220 graduates are earning their #OnlineStripes during this weekend’s Mizzou commencement ceremonies December 14 – 16, 2018.

To celebrate their outstanding accomplishments without traveling to campus, these grads can “attend” an online commencement ceremony that features a guest speaker, College of Arts and Science Dean Patricia Okker.

“We are all cheering for you, wherever you are. Even if you can’t come to campus for commencement,” said Okker.

The #MizzouMade online class of 2018 ranges in age from 22 to 64, and all worked diligently amidst conflicting priorities in order to finish their degrees, a detail that Dean Okker touches on in her remarks.

“Among the notable accomplishments of this fall’s graduating class is the fact that many of you finished your degrees while juggling work and commitments in your communities all across the U.S. and the world,” said Okker. “Whether it was missed basketball games, late nights at work, or a list of chores around the house that went undone, there’s no shortage of sacrifices you’ve made to be an online student.”

Mizzou Online Director Kim Siegenthaler shares Okker’s praise of the new graduates and recognizes their commitment to succeed despite any challenges they may have faced.

“These graduates have balanced competing priorities and persevered to reach this achievement,” said Siegenthaler. “We’re honored to have had the opportunity to help these graduates prepare for the next step, whether it’s professional advancement or personal enrichment.”

As Okker states in her online commencement speech, to this weekend’s graduates: “The entire Mizzou family congratulates you and wishes you every success … Congratulations!”


Join us in celebrating the online class of 2018 on their online commencement ceremony website. You can learn more about the graduating class, sign the guest book to let them know how proud you are and participate in the conversation on social media with #OnlineStripes.

Are you earning your online degree this weekend? Whether you’re having a special dinner, creating your own graduation celebration at home or even coming to Columbia, share your experience with us on social media using #OnlineStripes.

Ready to earn your #OnlineStripes? Join more than 300,000 Mizzou alumni making a difference across the globe.

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