Lenoir-Rhyne University to celebrate the Class of 2025 in May commencement ceremonies

Next week, Lenoir-Rhyne University will hold commencement ceremonies recognizing the Class of 2025 at our three university locations in Hickory, N.C., Asheville, N.C., and Columbia, S.C.

“Commencement is a special moment in the life of the university,” said Dr. Fred Whitt, university president, who will retire this summer after serving as president since 2017. “It’s a time to honor the dedication, growth and achievements of our graduates. As I prepare for my final commencement as president, I feel an even deeper sense of pride and gratitude—for our students, for this community, and for the many memories we’ve shared at Lenoir-Rhyne. I look forward to celebrating one more remarkable class as they step into the future.”

In addition to celebrating student accomplishments, the ceremony will recognize Madeleine Dassow ’75, M.A., with an honorary doctorate commemorating her years of service to Lenoir-Rhyne and her community. Dassow will retire as chair of the LR Board of Trustees after seven years and an additional three years as a board member. She was the first woman to serve as chair of the Board of Trustees. She has also served as a member the Alumni Board, the Board of Visitors, the capital campaign planning committee and recently chaired the presidential search committee. In 2018, she and her husband, Duane Dassow ’75, established the Dassow University Commons.

Accessible parking and seating will be available at all three ceremonies. While tickets are not required, and there is no limit on number of guests, bags will be checked for security at each venue. Guests are asked to be seated 30 minutes before the ceremony so processions can begin promptly.

Commencement Ceremonies

• Thursday, May 8, 10 a.m. — Columbia graduate students, Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1301 Richland Street, Columbia, S.C.
• Friday, May 9, 6 p.m. — Hickory undergraduate and graduate students, including Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Moretz Stadium, 4th Street Drive NE, Hickory, N.C.
• Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. — Asheville graduate students, The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, N.C.

For those unable to attend in person, a live stream of the Hickory ceremony will be available at www.lr.edu/live.

Lenoir-Rhyne Graduating Student Highlights

As a first-generation college student, Asia George has shown resilience and a love of learning while earning her bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in criminal justice. She has been active in public service and research, developing strong ties to the community through her studies and extracurricular participation on campus. She plans to work in non-profit advocacy for marginalized groups after graduation.

Carson Keaton came to Lenoir-Rhyne on a football scholarship, but off the field he has pursued his academic passion as a history major. After graduation he plans to complete a Master of Arts in Teaching so he can share that passion with secondary education students and follow in the footsteps of his father, a social studies teacher, and his mother, a math teacher.

Jordan Burrell is another member of the Bears football team who has extended his campus leadership profile well beyond the playing field. He served as the Multicultural Affairs Representative to the Student Government Association, led the Lenoir-Rhyne Men of Color organization for the past year and inspired children in Catawba County as a Big Bear Mentor. A sports management major, he plans to complete his MBA next year as part of the accelerated master’s degree program.

Additional details about commencement procedures for graduates and their guests are available at lr.edu/commencement.