CNU Confers Diplomas to Highest Number of Graduating Seniors
in University’s History

(NEWPORT NEWS, VA) – The driving wind and rain could not dampen the spirits of Christopher Newport University’s Class of 2009 as they hastily entered the Freeman Sports and Convocation Center on Sunday for the spring commencement exercises. The 861 members of the class of ’09 continued the trend set in 2008 - setting the record for the highest graduation rate in the university’s history.

“From my lips to God’s ears, I asked for sunshine today,” said university president Paul Trible as he greeted the standing-room only audience gathered in the Freeman Center’s gymnasium.

Douglas Gordon, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and an English professor at CNU since 1980, delivered the commencement address. “Are you happy? Ready to take on the world?” he asked the graduates. “There's one more assignment I have for you - a perpetual assignment.”

Gordon asked them to use their talents “in the service of human liberty” and “make it a point to become involved in public education.” Doing so will help ensure liberty and the continuation of the ideas and ideals upon which the country was founded. ‘What America stands for must be learned over and over.” Gordon added: “We have set out to educate ethical citizens for a constitutional republic, served by democratic processes. We are counting on you!”

The 2009 Gregory Kilch Achievement Award was presented to senior Alexander Lundberg for the highest grade point average, a 3.98. “Would the faculty member who gave Alex an A- please stand up,” president Trible joked. Lundberg will next attend the London School of Economics to pursue a master’s degree.

 

President Trible then proudly administered the oath of office to the school's five Corps of Cadets graduates, who became Army second lieutenants and also conferred 72 master's degrees and 789 bachelor's degrees to the graduating seniors.

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Christopher Newport University is a four-year public university in Newport News, Virginia. CNU enrolls 5,000 students in rigorous academic programs through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Joseph W. Luter III College of Business and Leadership and offers great teaching, small classes and an emphasis on leadership, civic engagement and honor. Visit us at www.cnu.edu.

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