Northwestern to confer 225 degrees in December commencement ceremony

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW) is scheduled to confer 225 degrees on Friday, December 17, as undergraduate and graduate students walk across the John Lord and Beverly Knight Performance Hall stage to receive a diploma in recognition of their countless hours of study, research, collaboration, and application.

Of the 225 graduates, the 4 p.m. ceremony will honor 178 bachelor’s degree recipients, along with 36 individuals who have completed the necessary coursework and requirements for a master’s degree. 11 students are receiving either certificate or associate of arts diplomas. Of the diplomas to be awarded, Northwestern will confer the majority of bachelor’s degrees to those studying nursing (38), business (34), and Christian ministries (17).

The ceremony will include remarks from President Dr. Alan Cureton, Provost Dr. Janet Sommers, and multiple faculty members, as well as a musical performance by the Northwestern Choir under the direction of Timothy Sawyer. Dr. Ramón A. Pastrano, CEO and President of St. Louis Park-based ImpactLives, Inc. and a member of the Northwestern Board of Trustees, is the featured commencement speaker. As founder of Third Sphere LLC, Dr. Pastrano mentors and coaches young leaders. He is fluent in human-centered design, design thinking, system thinking, and service learning. Dr. Pastrano’s innovative approach to intercultural competence and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging have been lauded by many local and national organizations.

The commencement event video is available for viewing. 

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 75+ areas of undergraduate study, seven master’s degrees, and online and early college programs. Northwestern Media, a ministry of the university, owns and operates 23 Christian radio stations throughout the Midwest with a total listenership of more than 1.5 million listeners. Visit unwsp.edu for more information.