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PHOTO GALLERY: Stephens and Columbia college graduations

Saturday, May 9, 2009 | 7:15 p.m. CDT; updated 7:28 p.m. CDT, Saturday, May 9, 2009

Stephens College Vice President of Academic Affairs Mary Hassinger, left, and President Wendy Libby, right, place honorary robes on graduating senior Kristin Parran during commencement ceremonies at the John and Mary Silverthorne Arena on Saturday. Parran was recognized as the class speaker for her accomplishments during her time at Stephens.   ¦  MATTHEW CAVANAH

BY Missourian Staff

Saturday was a big day for students at Stephens and Columbia colleges, as graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.

More than 500 students participated in Columbia College's commencement ceremonies, while more than 170 were expected to walk in Stephens' ceremonies. 

The ceremonies at Stephens were President Wendy Libby's last at the college, as she will be moving to Florida in July to become the first female president of Stetson University.

Columbia College's Gerald Brouder, who addressed graduates at the college's two ceremonies, is serving his 14th year as president.

Gerald T. Brouder, president of Columbia College, addresses graduates of the college before they are presented with their degrees inside the Southwell Complex on Saturday. This year, Brouder is completing his 14th year as president of the college.   ¦  POLINA YAMSHCHIKOV

Graduates of Columbia College wait in line before receiving their diplomas during the school's commencement ceremony on Saturday. The line of students had all earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the college.   ¦  POLINA YAMSHCHIKOV

Matthew Corrado shares a moment with his neighboring graduate before their row is asked to rise during Columbia College's commencement ceremony on Saturday. Corrado walked across the stage to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree in history.   ¦  POLINA YAMSHCHIKOV

Some students chose to adorn their caps with their graduation year or other personal touches, but most kept them clean and simple during Columbia College's Commencement ceremony inside Southwell Complex on Saturday. More than 250 graduates received their diplomas during the ceremony.   ¦  POLINA YAMSHCHIKOV

Crossword puzzles, placed by professor Rob Doyen's students as a show of appreciation, hang from his back as he announces the names of graduates. Doyen, a professor of theater at Stephens, often did puzzles with his students during down time at rehearsals.
  ¦  MATTHEW CAVANAH

The Stephens College Senior Ensemble performs "I'll Be There" for the closing of commencement ceremonies on Saturday afternoon.   ¦  MATTHEW CAVANAH

Outgoing Stephens College President Wendy Libby addresses the graduating class of 2009 at the beginning of commencement ceremonies.   ¦  MATTHEW CAVANAH

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