NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University held four commencement ceremonies over the weekend, celebrating the graduation of 1,505 students. The ceremonies recognized the hard work and dedication of the students and were marked by advice from Northwest President Dr. Lance Tatum.

“In this moment, we celebrate the late nights filled with uncertainty, the early mornings filled with hope and the countless moments in between – moments when you could have given up, but you chose not to,” Tatum remarked. He urged graduates to persevere in the face of unpredictability, challenges, and unfairness. “Just show up.”

Tatum emphasized that resilience and growth emerge from persistence amid setbacks. “Show up when it’s messy, when your best-laid plans fail, when the timing is off or when things fall apart,” he said. According to Tatum, success is not always linear, and growth often occurs amid challenges: “That’s where innovation lives. That's where transformation begins.”

The celebration saw the awarding of 709 bachelor's degrees, 655 master's degrees, and 141 education specialist degrees. Graduates hailed from 42 states and territories, with the majority coming from Missouri and surrounding states, and 155 international graduates from 17 countries.

The university, founded in 1905, is a four-year institution that offers a wide array of undergraduate and selected graduate programs. Northwest Missouri State University boasts a high graduation rate relative to its peers and reports that a significant percentage of its graduates find employment or continue their education shortly after graduation.

Northwest emphasizes profession-based learning to reduce financial barriers and prepare students for their careers. Students can engage in various campus activities and pursue professional development through the university's extensive student employment program.

For further details on Northwest Missouri State University’s achievements and offerings, visit their website.