Mount Mary University to Hold Mid-Year Commencement

Dec. 18 Step Singing, "light of learning" lantern ceremony kick-off traditions

MILWAUKEE (Dec. 8, 2015) - Mount Mary University will conduct its mid-year commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015 at 11 a.m. in the Alumnae and North Dining Rooms located in Bergstrom Hall at 2900 N. Menomonee River Parkway, Milwaukee.

More than 60 students will be awarded degrees, including 43 bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees; 9 bachelor of science in nursing joint degrees with Columbia College of Nursing; 12 graduate degrees and certificates.

Marmy Clason, chair of the Communications Department at Mount Mary and the recipient of the 2015 Teaching Excellence Award, will address the graduates.Clason teaches classes on intercultural, crisis, gender and persuasive communication, and has conducted research on organizational culture, student success and cultural identity.

In addition to the formal commencement ceremony, a Commencement Liturgy will be held on Friday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. in Helfaer Hall. It will include Step Singing, a Mount Mary tradition that began more than 100 years ago. Graduating seniors will welcome family and friends, sing songs and read poetry. Graduates will then pass lanterns symbolizing the "light of learning" to those in their lives who supported and encouraged their education.

Family and friends of graduates wishing to attend Commencement activities should contact their graduate for tickets. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences using #mountmarygrad and snap Mount Mary University at mountmaryu.