William Penn Graduates embark on next journey
William Penn University graduation 2017.
by Charlie Comfort
Oskaloosa, Iowa- Around 300 students turned another page in lives, and in William Penn University’s history, as they received their degrees on Saturday. The 142nd William Penn University Commencement Ceremony recognized those persons who had completed their requirements to earn a four year degree from Willian Penn University. Like in years past, the event was held in the Penn Activity Center, beginning at 10 a.m.
This year’s speaker at Commencement has roots to William Penn University. Jerry Ellis, who has been chairman of the board of trustees at William Penn University, spoke to the graduates Saturday, prior to the conferring of their degrees. Ellis graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1956 and attended what was then known as William Penn College for two years. He then transferred to the University of Iowa, graduating from there with a BBA in 1960, and MBA in 1962. Ellis, an accountant, joined the accounting firm of Arthur Anderson after he received his MBA and worked in Dallas, Chicago, and Madrid, Spain.
Ellis stated that he hoped through their attendance at William Penn University, students would feel empowered to make a difference in the world.
“I hope that all of you have the opportunity to make the world a better place,” Ellis said.
Elis quoted Rachel Platten’s song, Better Place, and a portion of the song that reads “it’s a better place since you came along”.
“I would hope over the years that many people will have the opportunity to say that to each of you,” Ellis said to the graduates.
Ellis also said that he hoped that the experiences each graduate had at William Penn would be beneficial to them in the long term.
“My hope is that what you have learned at William Penn University in terms of knowledge and skill will be very helpful to you and make you a success in your entry level positions when you leave here,” he said.
“Regardless of whether your degree is industry or profession specific, or whether your degree is broad based liberal arts, most of you will change careers several times during your lifetime… but your experiences here, your learning, all your other experiences, basically is the foundation for continuous learning throughout the rest of your life,” Ellis added.
After Ellis spoke, the roughly 300 graduates in undergraduate and graduate programs had their degrees conferred upon them and walked out the doors of the PAC to begin their next journeys in life.
