Dr. Carolyn Perry to Deliver 2017 Commencement Address

President Akande announced today that the commencement address for the Class of 2017 will be delivered by Dr. Carolyn Perry, Senior Vice President of the College and Dean of Faculty.

“Commencement is the pinnacle of the Westminster experience as we gather to send our graduates through the columns with purpose and inspiration to make their mark on the world. Each year, the College seeks a commencement speaker who embodies Westminster’s core values; a leader whose words will impart wisdom and inspiration to last a lifetime,” Dr. Akande said in an email message to the Westminster community. “I’m pleased to announce that [in Dr. Perry] we have found such a speaker.”

Read the rest of Dr. Akande’s message below:

Notable speakers come to Westminster from all corners of the earth and all walks of life, yet they have one thing in common – they are legends who have impacted humanity in ways large and small. This is certainly true for Dr. Perry, who found her purpose and true calling at Westminster College 25 years ago after graduating from the University of Missouri with a Ph.D. in English. During these years, Dr. Perry has made her mark by sending thousands of graduates into the world with a purpose that defines them.

Dr. Perry has risen through Westminster’s ranks to great heights in both academics and administration. She has proven, time and time again, that her resilience, character, and devotion to our college knows no boundaries. Of all the attributes Dr. Perry brings to Westminster, it’s her determination to keep advancing the college that has carved her place amongst the giants in our midst.

Yes, Dr. Perry is a legend in her own right at Westminster, but perhaps the most significant aspect of her Commencement speech is that she will deliver words of wisdom, not just as a member of the faculty and administration, but also as a Westminster parent.

Thus, Commencement Day promises to be, once again, the pinnacle of our student’s Westminster journey as one of our own steps up on the stage with grace and integrity, reflecting our culture and values as we send our graduates out into the world.

Dr. Perry will deliver the address as part of commencement festivities on May 13, 2017.