Hamline University honored a new generation of leaders with Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 11 at the RiverCentre in Saint Paul.
Three ceremonies were held to celebrate the academic achievements of those who graduated in December 2023 and those who completed degrees this spring and summer.
Three-hundred and 31 undergraduate students participated in the 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. ceremonies, followed by 179 graduate students at the 4 p.m. ceremony.
Dr. Kathleen Murray, acting/interim president of Hamline University, spoke at all three ceremonies, congratulating the graduates on their accomplishments.
“During your time at Hamline, you have worked diligently toward your goals in many different fields of endeavor. Today is the day you are formally recognized for all you have done, and the day you take your first steps into a new world,” Dr. Murray said. "You are prepared to lead. You are prepared to make positive change, and we are honored to have walked beside you on your journey."
During Commencement, an honorary degree was bestowed upon novelist William Kent Krueger. Though best known for his series of crime novels set in Minnesota, Krueger’s Ordinary Grace won the Edgar Award for Best Novel of 2013.
Undergraduate speakers were Uriel Cruz Rojas, who graduated with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Spanish and education, and Madeline Christensen, who graduated with Bachelor of Arts degrees in legal studies and political science with a concentration in public service, law and leadership. The graduate speaker was Asad Aliweyd, who graduated with a PhD in management and public service.
