Purdue University in Maine holds graduation

A jubilant graduate and proud family take a selfie at the Purdue U. graduation. (Contributed photo)

Purdue University Global in Maine recently held its graduation ceremony at the Merrill Auditorium, in Portland, at which close to 275 graduates were recognized for their academic accomplishments.

Purdue Global became Indiana’s newest public institution of higher education earlier this year, when it officially acquired Kaplan University, expanding Purdue’s land-grant mission by providing access to higher education for the tens of millions of working adults who started but did not complete a college degree and for others unable to attend a traditional college campus.

Shannon Moss, an acclaimed journalist for News Center Maine, gave the commencement address. Ms. Moss’s message to the more than 125 graduates attending the ceremony in person focused on the importance of their individual academic accomplishments achieved at a time in their own lives, when most are also juggling full-time employment and family obligations. Moss shared her successes and challenges along her career path, and encouraged the class to enjoy every moment as it comes.

Purdue Graduates 2018

“Don’t let the importance of your accomplishment languish. Let your mind seek new adventures and march with great confidence and enthusiasm into your future as you make your dreams, or goals you set for yourself, a reality.” Ms. Moss challenged the assembled graduates to “…Be fearless, be courageous, be magnanimous with your new life as a graduate of Purdue University Global.”

Graduate and undergraduate degrees were awarded from the School of Business and Information Technology, Nursing, Health Sciences, and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Betty Vandenbosch, Chancellor of Purdue University Global, conferred the degrees.