University of Indianapolis Commencement Ceremony set for May 5, 2018
The University of Indianapolis will hold its Commencement Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018, at Key Stadium, 1400 E. Hanna Ave., Indianapolis.
Honorary degree recipients include Rev. Rob Fuquay, senior pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, one of Indianapolis’ largest congregations with more than 6,000 members. The University also will honor Béla Fleck, a 16-time Grammy Award winner commonly described as the world’s best banjo player. Rev. Fuquay will provide the commencement address and Béla Fleck will perform a selection from his extensive repertoire during the ceremony.
Rev. Fuquay, who has called Indianapolis home since 2011, formerly served as the senior pastor of Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Mooresville, NC. He is the fifth senior pastor appointed at St. Luke’s. As the author of several books and course guides on religious topics, Fuquay is considered a thought leader on innovative subjects designed to bring religion and inspiration to the entire community, not just his congregation. Throughout his career, Fuquay has served various congregations with his gifts of strong preaching, leadership development and visioning.
Béla Fleck has been nominated in more Grammy categories than any other musician. He is best known for his eclectic musical pursuits and introducing the banjo to all genres of improvisational music. He is lauded internationally as a solo artist as well as from his work with successful groups such as New Grass Revival and Béela Fleck and the Flecktones. Through collaborations with artists such as Sam Bush, Chick Corea, Branford Marsalis, Victor Wooten, Dave Matthews and many others, Fleck has reinvented the image and sound of the banjo.
President Manuel will preside over Saturday’s ceremony, which includes a full academic procession and musical performances by University faculty and students.
Annie DeRolf ’18 (doctorate of occupational therapy) of St. John, Ind., will serve as the graduate student speaker, and Kaitlyn Kendall ’18 (communications), of Indianapolis, will speak on behalf of the undergraduate student body. Isabella (Ivy) Bott ’18 (music) of Whiteland, Ind., will perform the National Anthem and Samantha Burkey ’18 (music education) of Wolcottville, Ind., will perform the Alma Mater.
The total number of University of Indianapolis graduates for 2018 stands at 1,650 students from 21 countries, with 1,084 undergraduates, 566 graduate and doctoral students, and 100 graduates at international partner sites.
UIndy 2018 Commencement by the numbers:
- 1,084 undergraduates
- 566 master’s and doctoral candidates
- 34 states and 21 nations represented
- 1,550 graduates from home campus
- 100 additional graduates at UIndy’s international partner sites
- Total: 1,650 graduates
About the University of Indianapolis
The University of Indianapolis, founded in 1902, is a private, liberal arts university located just a few minutes from downtown Indianapolis. The University is ranked among the top Midwest Universities by the U.S. News and World Report, with a diverse enrollment of more than 5,500 undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students. The University offers a wide variety of study areas, including 109 undergraduate degrees, more than 37 master’s degree programs and six doctoral programs. More occupational therapists, physical therapists and clinical psychologists graduate from the University each year than any other state institution. With strong programs also in engineering, business, and education, the University of Indianapolis impacts its community by living its motto, “Education for Service.”