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Northwest Missouri State University celebrated its winter graduates during two commencement ceremonies Dec. 12. Nearly 1,500 students, ranging in age from 19 to 68, were recognized for completed degrees last summer or during the fall semester.
Graduates wait in the staging area ahead of the ceremony
Closeup of mortar board decorated with gold coins that reads "Did everyone see that because I will not be doing it again - Jack Sparrow"
Closeup of mortar board decorated with a red apple made of rinestones
Closeup of a mortar board decorated in colorful flowers
Closeup of mortar board with the words "Finish what you started"
Faculty member in regalia hugs guest
Two female graduates chat in the staging area
A female graduate smiles while waiting for the ceremony to start
Dozens of students in their commencement regalia wait in the staging area
Male graduate poses in front of the "Once a Bearcat Always a Bearcat" neon sign
Male graduate takes a selfie in his cap and gown
Male graduate gives the peace sign gesture towards the camera
Two female graduates pose cheek-to-cheek for a photo
A group of international students pose under the "Once a Bearcat Always a Bearcat" neon sign
Male graduate student holds the South Africa flag
Female graduate carries the Azerbaijan flag
Male graduate carries the Nepal flag
Female graduate carries in the banner for the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences
Female graduate searches the crowd as she walks into the ceremony
Female graduate smiles at friends as they wait to be seated for the ceremony
Graduate smiles entering Bearcat Arena
Male graduate smiles entering Bearcat Arena
Female student looks ahead as she walks into the ceremony
Female graduate waves to the crowd
Female graduate waves to the crowd while wearing an international sash
Dr. Elise Hepworth carries the Ceremonial Mace
Male graduate looks around Bearcat Arena before the ceremony starts
Two male students stand at attention before the ceremony starts
President Lance Tatum stands at the podium and addresses the crowd
Provost Jamie Hooyman looks on as President Tatum speaks
President Tatum and Provost Hooyman share a hug on stage
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Lilly Cook/Northwest Missouri State University
Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University
