While postseason competition continues for several Lubbock Christian University athletic programs, LCU hosted a special commencement ceremony to ensure graduating student-athletes whose competition schedules conflict with Saturday’s traditional commencement ceremonies still had the opportunity to celebrate one of life’s most meaningful milestones alongside family, teammates and coaches.
Held Monday, May 4, in the Cardwell Welcome Center Rotunda, the ceremony recognized graduating student-athletes from softball, baseball, track, and tennis as they prepare to continue postseason competition.
The ceremony reflected the same traditions and significance as LCU’s larger commencement exercises, complete with university leadership, academic deans, regalia and the opportunity for graduates to select an escort to walk beside them and hood them as their bachelor’s degrees were conferred, a longstanding LCU tradition that highlights the people who helped shape each student’s journey.
Albert Gillispie, a 2010 LCU graduate, member of the LCU Board of Trustees, and Principal with Stag Capital Companies—where he focuses on business operations, asset management, and acquisitions—served as commencement speaker and presented diplomas to the graduates.
“Athletics is such a vibrant part of the LCU experience, and we are incredibly proud of the way our student-athletes represent this university,” said LCU President Dr. Scott McDowell. “While we celebrate their success in postseason competition, we also never want them or their families to miss the important milestone of commencement. These students have worked hard academically while competing at a high level, and it was important for us to provide a meaningful opportunity to recognize and celebrate that accomplishment together.”
The special ceremony reflects LCU’s commitment to walking alongside students through every stage of their college experience, celebrating not only achievements in competition, but also the academic accomplishments that mark the culmination of their time at the university.