Administration

Communications

168 to graduate May 15 at Culver-Stockton
Friday, May 07, 2010

CANTON, Mo. – Culver-Stockton College will present diplomas to 168 students in ceremonies on Saturday, May 15. The 154th Annual Commencement will begin at 9:30 a.m. on the C-SC Quadrangle.

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
R. Joseph Dieker, outgoing vice president for academic affairs and dean of Culver-Stockton College, began at C-SC in 1989 as an associate professor of music. In 2001, Dieker was promoted to chair of the Fine Arts Division, a position he held until 2004 when he was invited to serve as vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college. Dieker’s 21 years at Culver-Stockton have included numerous leadership roles where he has been integral in the development of Culver-Stockton’s strategic and campus master planning process as well as the development and implementation of the new curriculum, EXP@CSC, which effectively transformed all areas of the college’s academic programs. The immersive and interactive nature of this curriculum has breathed new life into an already amazing learning environment. Dieker has had many awards, accolades and accomplishments during his time on the Hill and is respected and well known throughout the region as a talented conductor and clarinetist.

STUDENT SPEAKER
Neil Gau of Irondale, Mo., will receive a bachelors of science degree in accounting and finance. Gau is the son of William and Debra Gau of Irondale, Mo. During the recent C-SC Honors Day Celebration, Gau received the Phi Eta Sigma Book Award as a senior with the highest grade point average over four years. He also received the J. David Bursewicz Senior Scholarship Award and the Wieseman Award for Outstanding Research Report or Writing Project in recognition of his academic Achievements. Gau has been active in the C-SC Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) student chapter and has also participated in “Up ’til Dawn.” Gau says some of his most cherished memories at C-SC are the experiences he had during the study abroad courses to China and the British Isles.

FACULTY AWARDS
During commencement, Culver-Stockton also will announce and honor the faculty members who have been selected to receive the 2010 Reuling Prize and the 2010 Helsabeck Prize for Teaching Excellence. The Reuling Prize honors former C-SC president Walter S. Reuling who died in March 2008, and goes to a faculty member selected by his or her peers. The Helsabeck Prize is awarded annually to a faculty member selected by a committee of students, faculty and staff from submitted nominations. Both prizes honor teaching excellence.

LOGISTICS
Seating on the C-SC Quadrangle is on a first-come, first-served basis on May 15. Handicapped seating will be available, but those who need other special accommodations are asked to contact the Registrar’s Office at 573-288-6330. A shuttle service will be available from parking lots at the Comfort Inn, County Market, and Nichols Field (baseball).

In case of rain the commencement ceremony will be held in the Charles Field House on the C-SC campus.
A continental breakfast will be available from 8 to 9:15 a.m. in the dining hall of the Gladys Crown Center. Following commencement, there will be a reception for graduates, families, and friends on the C-SC Quadrangle. In case of rain the reception will be held in the cafeteria located in the Gladys Crown Student Center.

NURSE PINNING
Seniors also will be honored at other activities during the week. Pins will be presented to graduates of the nursing program, a partnership between Culver-Stockton College and the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing, at 2 p.m., Friday, May 14, in Madison Park Christian Church, Quincy.

BACCALAUREATE
Baccalaureate is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 14, in Alexander Campbell Auditorium. Reverend Bill Spangler-Dunning is the featured baccalaureate speaker. Spangler-Dunning is originally from Ottumwa, Iowa. He graduated from Culver-Stockton College in 1990 with a bachelor of arts degree in religion and philosophy, after which he went on to graduate from the Lexington Theological Seminary. Rev. Spangler-Dunning was instrumental in creating connections between churches and was asked to serve as the associate regional minister for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Upper Midwest, where he now serves as the regional minister. Rev. Spangler-Dunning seeks to produce curriculum material that encourages youth and adults to think and share their faith convictions with passion without the need to condemn those who may have different theological understandings.

Media: Please contact the Culver-Stockton Communications Office if you have questions about commencement or graduating seniors’ activities: ktrudell@culver.edu or 573-288-6450.