Northwest Missouri State University celebrated its winter graduates during two commencement ceremonies Dec. 13. Nearly 1,800 students, ranging in age from 19 to 69, were recognized for completed degrees last summer or during the fall semester.
Graduates snapped photos in the Student Recreation Center as they prepared for commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
A graduate wearing sunglasses takes a photo under a neon sign with the words 'Once a Bearcat, Always a Bearcat'. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
A group of graduates snap a selfie in the Student Recreation Center as they prepared for commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)
A view from above showing the decorated mortar boards wore by graduates. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)
A graduate takes a selfie while waiting in procession before the commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)
A graduate with bright green nails takes a selfie while waiting in the Student Recreation Center. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
A graduate poses behind 3D letters that spell 'Home' to take a photo before heading into the commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
Graduates gather for a quick selfie before processing to Bearcat Arena. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)
Graduates processed to Bearcat Arena, ready to enter for commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)
Two graduates share a laugh as they processed to Bearcat Arena, ready to enter for commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)
International students carried the flags of their countries down the hallway as they entered Bearcat Arena. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)
International students carried the flags of their countries as they entered Bearcat Arena. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)
Select graduates carried banners representing their academic schools and departments. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)
Graduates looked to loved ones as they entered Bearcat Arena. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
A graduate waves to loved ones as they entered Bearcat Arena. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)
Northwest President Dr. Lance Tatum address graduates and their loved ones in Bearcat Arena. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
A student smiles from the audience as he watches the ceremony. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
A graduate shakes hands with the Provost on stage. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
A graduate shakes hands with the President on stage. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
An education graduate is hooded on stage. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)
A wide view capturing the ceremony stage and the rows of graduates in attendance. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
Graduates showed a range of emotions as their degrees were conferred. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)
Graduates smile as streamers fall to the ground at the conclusion of Northwest’s commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
Graduates look up into the air at the surprise of streamers being released at the conclusion of Northwest’s commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)
Graduates wait to be dismissed at the conclusion of Northwest’s commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)
A graduate hugs a member of University Police at the conclusion of Northwest’s commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)
Two friends take a selfie together at the conclusion of Northwest’s commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
Mascot Bobby Bearcat attends the commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
A graduate holds her diploma while taking a photo with loved ones at the conclusion of Northwest’s commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
A group of eight people gather to take a photo on the benches at the conclusion of Northwest’s commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
A graduate celebrates with loved ones at the conclusion of Northwest’s commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
Two graduates poses for photos in front of the Northwest banners at the conclusion of Northwest’s commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
A graduate takes a selfie with family and friends at the conclusion of Northwest’s commencement ceremonies. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)
A female graduate wearing a mortar board with a bejeweled Northwest paw on it is surrounded by family. (Photo by Todd Weddle | Northwest Missouri State University)