On Saturday May 4, Spring Hill College will perform its 2019 commencement exercises. Beginning at 10 a.m. on Avenue of the Oaks, about 310 graduating students will process in alphabetical order by degree category in front of Stewartfield.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Richard Michael DeWine, the 70th Governor of Ohio. Chosen by the President of Spring Hill College, Governor DeWine is a member of the College’s Board of Trustees. Mindy Hovell, the Assistant Provost for Academic Administration, said, “He was recently elected as Governor of Ohio and this was college’s way to honor him for his accomplishments.”

The ceremony will also include a class orator, chosen by the senior class. While a speaker has not yet been chosen, the process began mid-semester. Seniors, faculty and staff were sent a survey asking for nominations. A selection committee consisting of the provost, vice president of Student Affairs, coordinator for the Center of Student Involvement and the newly elected president of the class of 2020 will soon narrow down the nominations to the top 2 or 3. The senior class will vote from the list of the finalists the last week of classes.

Multiple awards and honors will be presented at the ceremony. They include the Toolen Award for Highest Scholastic Achievement and the Ignatian Award for a male and female student. Members of the faculty and staff will be presented with awards concerning research and service as well as one teacher of the year award.

There will only be one change in commencement this year. Hovell said, “Angele Davis, President of the National Alumni Association Board, will be part of the program this year. She will welcome students into the Alumni Association and talk about value of being part of this group.”

In the event of rain, commencement exercises will be held inside the Arthur R. Outlaw Recreation Center. A decision to move indoors will be made no later than 12:00 p.m. Friday May 3.