More than 2,200 graduates to receive degrees from Mizzou

University officials will award an honorary degree to Robert Jones, chancellor of the University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign

December 11th, 2018

By: Maya Nunn

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Commencement serves as a time to recognize Tigers for their hard work and dedication to their studies at the University of Missouri. This weekend, Dec. 14-16, 2,243 students will receive degrees during winter commencement exercises.

University officials also will honor Robert J. Jones, chancellor of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As a scientist, Jones, an MU alumnus, brought new ideas to the development of corn kernels that protected crops from environmental stresses and global climate change. Jones will speak during the Honors Convocation on Saturday, Dec. 15.

During commencement weekend, MU will award 2,462 degrees, including 1,902 bachelor’s degrees, 394 master’s degrees, 133 doctorates, six law degrees, 24 education specialist degrees, two medical degrees and one veterinary medical degree. Some students will receive more than one degree. More than 220 online students, who come from 28 states and two countries, also will graduate this weekend. Graduates in distance degree programs range in age from 22 to 64.

“Commencement weekend is a time for our graduates to celebrate their achievements with their family and friends,” MU Chancellor Alexander Cartwright said. “Our graduates find successful careers across multiple fields and will join more than 317,000 living Mizzou alumni around the world. Congratulations to our graduating Tigers. We wish them nothing but the best as they begin the next chapter of their lives.”

Preliminary results from a recent survey shows that more than 90 percent of MU graduates have found successful career outcomes, including whether they are fully employed, involved in public service, in the military or are continuing their education.

Most schools and colleges will hold separate ceremonies for commencement and many invite notable speakers to address the graduates. Speakers at this year’s commencement ceremonies include:

• John Qualy, managing partner of The Qualy Group, College of Human Environmental Sciences on Dec. 14
• William Baker, structural engineer who designed the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, College of Engineering ceremony on Dec. 14
• Coburn Dukehart, digital and multimedia director for the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, School of Journalism ceremony on Dec. 15

Editor’s Note: Download a detailed schedule of events and biographical information of the honorary degree recipient, Robert J. Jones.

For more information on the commencement ceremonies and Columbia accommodations, please visit:
http://commencement.missouri.edu.