The Class of 2023 observed its completion of studies at Millsaps College with a weekend of services and celebrations.
A baccalaureate service was held the evening of Friday, May 12 at Galloway United Methodist Church in downtown Jackson, Miss. The Rev. Dr. Joey Shelton ’82, dean of the chapel and director of church relations, offered the baccalaureate address in which he encouraged students to go out and live a “Major life.” Shelton will be leaving Millsaps at the end of June to join his wife Connie, who was elected as bishop of the North Carolina Conference in late 2022. Images from the baccalaureate service can be viewed here.
On May 13, commencement exercises were held at Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson.
The ceremony began with an invocation from Rev. Dr. Joey Shelton before Jay Lindsey, chair of the Millsaps Board of Trustees, welcomed the Millsaps community of graduates, students, faculty, staff, families and friends.
Lindsey challenged the class of 2023 to continue in the spirit of Millsaps’ motto, “Ad Excellentiam,” — toward excellence.
“Our hope for you is that you remain seekers and doers with the positive energy of youth,” Lindsey said.
The occasion marked the final commencement for Dr. Rob Pearigen, who has served as president of the college for the past 13 years.
“Rob’s embrace of Millsaps history, standards and community, as well as his exemplary leadership and goodwill at the helm of this institution, are achievements to be saluted,” said Lindsey. “I could not be more grateful for Rob’s dedication, energy and many contributions to the exceptional Millsaps story.”
Pearigen remarked on some of the advancements made by the college while serving as president. He also spoke of the challenges faced by the Millsaps community, including the COVID-19 pandemic and water outages.
“You, the class of 2023, have experienced and been witness to challenging events and conditions,” Pearigen said.
“I don’t think of your experience as being defined simply by resilience and endurance in the face of adversity. You’ve been more than resilient. You have flourished. You’ve been hopeful and joyous. You have helped and encouraged each other and supported the institution and our community in a transformative way.”
Dr. Keith Dunn, interim college president, introduced the winners of the Founders’ Medal. The award is presented to the graduating senior who has the highest grade point average for the entire four-year course of study and has earned a grade of Excellent on comprehensive examinations.
This year, four students received the Founders’ Medal: Clare Howard, Bachelor of Science in biology; Anne Miller, Bachelor of Science in biochemistry; Yuko Nogawa, Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, Bachelor of Arts in sociology and anthropology with a concentration in sociology, and Bachelor of Science in government and politics; and Grace Singleton, Bachelor of Arts in Greek and Roman Studies and Bachelor of Arts in sociology-anthropology.
Nogawa was chosen to speak on behalf of this year’s winners. She encouraged her peers to feel proud of their accomplishments in the face of so many challenges and uncertainties.
Clare Howard was also recognized as the recipient of the 2023 Frank and Rachel Laney Award for her essay, “How a Pope Led Me to Millsaps.” The Laney Award is presented to the graduating senior who has written the finest essay reflecting the value of a Millsaps education. The essay is required reading for incoming first year students and new faculty in the fall.
Other academic honors included presenting the Outstanding Master of Accountancy award and Charles Sewell Award. The Charles Sewell Award is presented to the Outstanding Master of Business Administration graduate. This year, Caroline Samson was awarded the Outstanding Master of Accountancy award, and Taylor Kay Weintritt was awarded the Charles Sewell Award.
Megan James, dean of students, presented the Don Fortenberry Award. The award, named after Rev. Dr. Don Fortenberry, is presented to one graduating senior considered to have performed the most diligent and devoted service to the Millsaps community while anticipating no recognition and no remittance. James presented the 2023 Don Fortenberry Award to Abigail Ann Ott.
In addition, Dunn recognized Dr. Stacy DeZutter, associate professor of education, as the 2023 Millsaps College Distinguished Professor.
After diplomas were conferred upon 145 undergraduate students and 29 graduate students, President of the Millsaps College Young Alumni Board Trey Vernaci (’16) welcomed the newly-graduated students to the Millsaps Alumni Community.
“Even though after today you will no longer live, work or study together within Millsaps’ walls, you are forever connected to this place you’ve called home,” Vernaci said.
“Forever connected to this place that has pushed you, even while nurturing you; forever connected to this place where you have met people who will be with you the rest of your lives.”
Images from commencement exercises can be viewed here and here.