{"id":54128,"date":"2023-05-14T15:18:03","date_gmt":"2023-05-14T19:18:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/?p=54128"},"modified":"2023-05-15T13:58:50","modified_gmt":"2023-05-15T17:58:50","slug":"emus-105th-commencement-celebrates-348-graduates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/2023\/emus-105th-commencement-celebrates-348-graduates\/","title":{"rendered":"EMU&#8217;s 105th Commencement celebrates 348 graduates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Eastern Mennonite University awarded 348 total degrees at its 105th Annual Commencement on Sunday, May 7, 2023. The total included 203 undergraduate degrees, 144 master\u2019s degrees, 78 graduate certificates, and one doctorate. Among those were 18 students who received either a degree or certificate from the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding and 18 graduates of Eastern Mennonite Seminary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"2023 EMU Commencement\" width=\"848\" height=\"477\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/g8VW6bcxdoc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/emu.edu\/commencement\/photos\"><strong>Check out our 2023 Commencement photo galleries of graduation, Lavender Graduation, and the Cords of Distinction and Donning of the Kente ceremonies!<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150227\/52881061756_350e19915b_h-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54152\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150227\/52881061756_350e19915b_h-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150227\/52881061756_350e19915b_h-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150227\/52881061756_350e19915b_h-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150227\/52881061756_350e19915b_h-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150227\/52881061756_350e19915b_h.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In his Commencement address, <strong>Dr. John Lowe \u201981<\/strong> spoke to graduates about the importance of connecting to their purpose. \u201cYou each have been given a purpose. During your journey as a student at EMU, your purpose has been challenged, nurtured, come into enlightenment and discovery. Lowe continued in the words of Micah 6:8: \u201cYou have committed to \u2018do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly\u2019 with your creator, God. Never give up on your purpose. Never stop searching and seeking the truth of your purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Graduate perspectives were offered by <strong>Nardos Haile, Dallas Organek<\/strong>, and <strong>Amarea Witt.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10151347\/52881428775_535f59b08f_h-1-1024x923.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54166\" width=\"197\" height=\"177\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10151347\/52881428775_535f59b08f_h-1-1024x923.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10151347\/52881428775_535f59b08f_h-1-300x270.jpg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10151347\/52881428775_535f59b08f_h-1-768x692.jpg 768w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10151347\/52881428775_535f59b08f_h-1.jpg 1047w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 197px) 100vw, 197px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Haile, a social work major, BSA executive board member and Cords of Distinction honoree, encouraged the graduating class to \u201cbe vulnerable, and be your most authentic self\u201d as well as \u201cto never forget the connections you made here.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She expressed gratitude to \u201call the Black women who have served as an inspiration\u201d to her, including <strong>Celeste Thomas, Shannon Dycus<\/strong> and <strong>Mayor Deanna Reed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10151346\/52881214409_7cfcafe8ff_h-1-1024x848.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54165\" width=\"210\" height=\"173\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10151346\/52881214409_7cfcafe8ff_h-1-1024x848.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10151346\/52881214409_7cfcafe8ff_h-1-300x248.jpg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10151346\/52881214409_7cfcafe8ff_h-1-768x636.jpg 768w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10151346\/52881214409_7cfcafe8ff_h-1.jpg 1150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 210px) 100vw, 210px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Organek, a business administration and marketing double major, captain of the men\u2019s soccer team and Cords of Distinction honoree, shared that he \u201cquickly learned EMU is a place where you are encouraged to excel both in the classroom and on the field.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt was not just the victories and defeats that made my time as a student-athlete at EMU special. It was the sense of community I felt both within the team and across campus,\u201d said Organek.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10151348\/52881432735_c6d713fe40_h-1-1024x880.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54167\" width=\"217\" height=\"186\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10151348\/52881432735_c6d713fe40_h-1-1024x880.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10151348\/52881432735_c6d713fe40_h-1-300x258.jpg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10151348\/52881432735_c6d713fe40_h-1-768x660.jpg 768w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10151348\/52881432735_c6d713fe40_h-1.jpg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 217px) 100vw, 217px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Witt, who earned a master\u2019s degree in biomedicine, echoed Organek\u2019s comments. \u201cProfessors have created an inviting atmosphere both inside and outside the classroom. How often do you get to enjoy s&#8217;mores and jump on a trampoline with your classmates in your professor\u2019s backyard or hike a trail to Machu Picchu in Peru?\u201d<br \/> <br \/>Inspired by the African proverb \u201cit takes a village to raise a child,\u201d&nbsp;Witt says the \u201cvillage lasts a lifetime\u201d and that her family village has been expanded by the one built at EMU. \u201cRegardless of what pathways we continue on, our village here will remain,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150243\/52887044953_5b3dbd8336_h-1-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54161\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150243\/52887044953_5b3dbd8336_h-1-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150243\/52887044953_5b3dbd8336_h-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150243\/52887044953_5b3dbd8336_h-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150243\/52887044953_5b3dbd8336_h-1-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150243\/52887044953_5b3dbd8336_h-1.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Graduate students prepare to be hooded.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>President Susan Schultz Huxman<\/strong> presided over the ceremony, and <strong>Provost Dr. Fred Kniss <\/strong>commissioned the graduates. The commencement was Kniss\u2019 final one; he will retire at the end of June after serving as provost since 2009.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150232\/52881432260_6aa9ee01fc_h-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54155\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150232\/52881432260_6aa9ee01fc_h-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150232\/52881432260_6aa9ee01fc_h-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150232\/52881432260_6aa9ee01fc_h-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150232\/52881432260_6aa9ee01fc_h-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150232\/52881432260_6aa9ee01fc_h.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/easternmennoniteuniversity\/albums\/72177720308130613\/page1\"><strong>Check out the 2023 Commencement photo gallery!<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cords of Distinction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10161745\/Cords-of-Distinction-Full-Res-1142.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54190\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10161745\/Cords-of-Distinction-Full-Res-1142.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10161745\/Cords-of-Distinction-Full-Res-1142-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10161745\/Cords-of-Distinction-Full-Res-1142-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Ten graduating seniors are 2023 <a href=\"https:\/\/emu.edu\/studentlife\/cords-of-distinction\/\">Cords of Distinction<\/a> recipients. They were honored in a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/EasternMennonite\/videos\/2834318276701794\"> special ceremony<\/a> on May 5, 2023, and wore blue and gold cords signifying their achievement during EMU Commencement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/easternmennoniteuniversity\/albums\/72177720308117407\/with\/52881804733\/\"><strong>Check out the Cords of Distinction ceremony photo gallery!<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lavender Graduation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150226\/2023-05-06-Lavendar-Ceremony-Full-RES-1020.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54151\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150226\/2023-05-06-Lavendar-Ceremony-Full-RES-1020.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150226\/2023-05-06-Lavendar-Ceremony-Full-RES-1020-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150226\/2023-05-06-Lavendar-Ceremony-Full-RES-1020-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>CJP graduate Tarini Nagasaila Suresh speaks at the Lavender Graduation.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>EMU hosted its second Lavender Graduation on May 6, 2023, to honor LGBTQ+ graduates and alumni. The annual event recognizes LGBTQ students of all races and ethnicities and acknowledges their achievement and contributions to the university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The program honored 15 graduates and alumni and featured an EMU greeting from <strong>Jackie Font-Guzm\u00e1n<\/strong>, vice president of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; undergraduate and graduate speakers, who shared their stories about being a part of the LGBTQ+ community; and a keynote address from <strong>Asha Beck \u201922.<\/strong> Font-Guzm\u00e1n and Professor of Education <strong>Kathy Evans<\/strong> presented participants with rainbow stoles to wear during EMU Commencement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/easternmennoniteuniversity\/albums\/72177720308114741\/with\/52881881078\/\"><strong>Check out the Lavender Graduation photo gallery!<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Donning of the Kente<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150238\/52885907807_2241d16ace_o-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150238\/52885907807_2241d16ace_o-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150238\/52885907807_2241d16ace_o-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150238\/52885907807_2241d16ace_o-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150238\/52885907807_2241d16ace_o-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10150238\/52885907807_2241d16ace_o-2048x1368.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>EMU held its eighth<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/EasternMennonite\/videos\/956057345432313\"> Donning of the Kente ceremony<\/a> on May 6, 2023, at Lehman Auditorium. The annual event recognizes and rewards achievement; honors those who contributed to the graduate\u2019s success; connects graduates to their heritage and international roots; and encourages them to continue striving for excellence.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each graduate received a stole of kente cloth, a symbol of prestige in many African societies, handwoven for each graduate, or a satin sash with flags from the countries they feel a connection with. Among the many countries represented were Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Liberia, the Republic of Korea, and the Philippines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10162120\/EMU-2023-Donning-of-the-Kente-Full-RES-1077.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54193\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10162120\/EMU-2023-Donning-of-the-Kente-Full-RES-1077.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10162120\/EMU-2023-Donning-of-the-Kente-Full-RES-1077-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10162120\/EMU-2023-Donning-of-the-Kente-Full-RES-1077-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Cords of Distinction recipient Rayn Robinson receives her stole from her father, Royln Robinson.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Each student selected an individual to place the stole or sash around his or her neck. Many seniors wore the stole at Commencement as an important component of their academic regalia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hosts of the ceremony were <strong>Shannon Dycus<\/strong>, vice president of student affairs and dean of students, and <strong>Micah Shristi,<\/strong> director of international student services. Drummers with Drums for Wellness and Community Inclusion performed musical selections during the processional and recessional of graduates. <strong>Brian Martin Burkholder<\/strong>, university chaplain, gave the blessing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/easternmennoniteuniversity\/albums\/72177720308129909\/with\/52886494626\/\"><strong>Check out the Donning of the Kente ceremony photo gallery!<\/strong><\/a><strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Photos by Jon Styer\/At Ease Design &amp; Consulting and The Downtown Creative<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Eastern Mennonite University awarded 348 total degrees at its 105th Annual Commencement on Sunday, May 7, 2023. The total included 203 undergraduate degrees, 144 master\u2019s degrees, 78 graduate certificates, and <a href=\"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/2023\/emus-105th-commencement-celebrates-348-graduates\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"more-link\">... read more <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">about EMU&#8217;s 105th Commencement celebrates 348 graduates<\/span><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":292,"featured_media":54178,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4515,266,5583,14184,14715,16077,5861,17562,17564,5642,4513,1,5730],"tags":[5854,5948,17877],"feature":[17427,17426,17422],"class_list":["post-54128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academics","category-alumni","category-campus-community","category-campus-guests","category-campus-life","category-commencement-alumni","category-conferences-and-events","category-digest","category-events","category-faculty-and-staff","category-student-life","category-uncategorized","category-undergraduate-programs","tag-commencement","tag-graduation","tag-university-commencement","feature-emu-home-page-feature","feature-myemu-feature","feature-news-landing-page-main-feature"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>EMU&#039;s 105th Commencement celebrates 348 graduates - EMU News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/2023\/emus-105th-commencement-celebrates-348-graduates\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"EMU&#039;s 105th Commencement celebrates 348 graduates - EMU News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Eastern Mennonite University awarded 348 total degrees at its 105th Annual Commencement on Sunday, May 7, 2023. The total included 203 undergraduate degrees, 144 master\u2019s degrees, 78 graduate certificates, and\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/2023\/emus-105th-commencement-celebrates-348-graduates\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"EMU News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/EasternMennonite\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-05-14T19:18:03+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-05-15T17:58:50+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/05\/10160508\/52881410195_1876deb2aa_h.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1508\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1016\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Kate Szambecki\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@EMU_News\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@EMU_News\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Kate Szambecki\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/2023\/emus-105th-commencement-celebrates-348-graduates\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/2023\/emus-105th-commencement-celebrates-348-graduates\/\",\"name\":\"EMU's 105th Commencement celebrates 348 graduates - 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