The University of Northwestern – St. Paul will confer 158 diplomas to undergraduate, adult undergraduate, and graduate students in recognition of their countless hours of study, research, collaboration, and application. The ceremony will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22 at the John Lord and Beverly Knight Performance Hall.
These graduates include 126 bachelor’s, 22 master’s, and 5 associate of arts degrees as well as 5 graduate certificates. Of the diplomas awarded, Northwestern conferred the majority of bachelor’s degrees to those in the School of Business (18), the School of Nursing (17), the Department of Computing, Analytics, & Mathematics (12), and the Department of Psychology & Criminal Justice (11). Graduates will be employed by organizations such as Regions Hospital, North Memorial Health, Webber Law Firm, and Allianz Life. Others will continue on to graduate school.
The ceremony will include remarks from Grover C. Sayre III, Chair of the Board, and President Corbin Hoornbeek. Attendees will hear statements from faculty, graduates, and staff, and enjoy musical movements led by the Department of Music & Theatre.
The address will be given by 2001 graduate Rep. Ben Bakeberg, Minnesota House of Representatives. As someone who is passionate about developing the next generation, Mr. Bakeberg has spent his entire professional career in education. Currently, Bakeberg is the principal at Jordan Middle School, having spent many years as a classroom teacher in both public and private school settings throughout the state.
In addition to his experience as an education administrator, Mr. Bakeberg was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2023, serving the communities of Jordan, Prior Lake, Shakopee, and the surrounding townships. A member of the Education Finance and Education Policy committees, Rep. Bakeberg is currently the only active education administrator serving in the Minnesota state government, giving him a front row seat to the political culture and its impact on communities, families, educators, and most importantly, children.
A livestream of the Commencement ceremony is available on Friday, December 22 at 4:00 p.m.
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University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW) is a nondenominational Christian university in St. Paul, Minn. With a biblical worldview integrated into all programs, UNW provides a unique educational experience for students who want to combine faith and education. Northwestern offers more than 65 areas of study, including seven master’s degrees, and online and early college programs. Northwestern Media, a ministry of the university, owns and operates 29 Christian radio stations throughout the Midwest with a total listenership of more than 2 million listeners. Visit unwsp.edu for more information.
