Spring 2022 Commencement

The Central Methodist University community packed Puckett Fieldhouse on May 14 for the Spring 2022 Commencement ceremony. Graduates receiving their master’s, bachelor’s, and associate’s degrees were celebrated by their families, friends, and honored guests for their achievements at Central.

This year’s commencement address was given by Ted House, ’81, a former Missouri judge and legislator who earned a degree in political science from CMU. House, who labeled himself a “recovering politician,” told graduates that he and the institution have great confidence in their ability to lead and advised them to continue the CMU tradition of service.

“Today, you embrace with gratitude the mantle of leadership, the joy of service, the torch of Central’s legacy,” he said. “Let that torch burn deep into your hearts. We who love this place, and who carry Central Methodist with us in our souls, welcome you and invite you to share that magical legacy with generations of Eagles to come.

While this year’s graduates took in House’s words and awaited their chance to cross the stage, CMU President Dr. Roger Drake recognized Rev. Jerry Moon with an honorary Bachelor of Arts degree. Moon came to Central in 1953 and was one credit shy of graduating when he left to become a rural Methodist minister. Drake and others agreed that he has more than earned the recognition through his service to his community and to Central.

The members of the class of 2022 graduating with honors were recognized as well, along with the winners of Central’s top three awards given annually. This year’s Selecman Award went to Grace McIntosh, while Caroline Weatherford was given the Human Relations Award, and Jessica Justice earned the Victoria Award.

McIntosh won Central’s most prestigious award after maintaining a 4.0 in the marine biology program and graduating with honors in the major. She was a member of the NDA National Champion dance team, president of Zeta Psi Lamba and the marine biology club, and a tutor for seven different classes. The Selecman was just one of her many awards earned in her time at Central.

Weatherford’s Human Relations Award comes as no surprise to those who know her. Serving as the president of the Student Government Association, she embodied the spirit of the award with her contributions to the school. Weatherford also graduated with a 4.0, majoring in exercise science and minoring in biology.

Justice was voted the Victoria Award winner for best demonstrating dedication and the principles of CMU. She was a leader and member of more than half a dozen organizations, including the president of Game Geeks and the Sigma Tau Delta English honor society. She won numerous awards this year and graduated with a 4.0 after majoring in education with an emphasis in mathematics.

Central is proud of these and all its Spring 2022 graduates.

Above: Jessica Justice receives the Victoria Award from vice president of student life, Brad Dixon, ’07. Opposite page top: Javionna Smith and Chely Stratton. Middle left: Grace McIntosh receives the Selecman Achievement Award. Bottom left: Caroline Weatherford receives the Human Relations Award. Bottom right: Prof. John Flanders leads the graduation procession.