FOREST CITY, Iowa – Waldorf University will be granting degrees to approximately 735 graduates, both online and residential, during its Commencement exercises on Saturday, May 5. 
 
“We are thrilled for the success of all this year’s graduates of Waldorf,” said Waldorf University President Robert Alsop. “Commencement will serve as a milestone in their lives that recognizes their sincere efforts to achieve an education, their growth as an individual and a key step to attaining their career dreams.”
 
Waldorf will be conferring degrees to 137 residential students and 598 online students, with 202 students participating in Commencement exercises. Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Arts degrees will be granted.
 
Graduation festivities begin with the Baccalaureate worship service on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Commencement will then be held at 2 p.m. at Hanson Fieldhouse.  
 
Keynote speaker for Commencement will be James Pease, Ph.D., emeritus associate professor, National Resource Ecology & Management at Iowa State University. Pease has more than 40 years of experience as a front-line interpreter, professor of interpretation and writer and consultant on many interpretive and environmental education and curriculum projects. 
 
Pease founded and directed the Iowa NatureMapping (cq) Program and the Iowa Master
Conservationist Program, which educates the public on biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and wildlife management. Pease also designed and coordinated the Master River Stewards Program, which trains citizens in river conservation and stewardship. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the prestigious Master Interpreter from the National Association for Interpretation and Distinguished Science Teacher Award from the Iowa Academy of Science.
 
An optional lunch will be available in the Atrium for guests with tickets. Reserved tickets can be picked up at the registration table the day of the ceremony (either at the Fieldhouse during practice or in the Salveson lobby before Baccalaureate). Extra tickets can also be purchased at the Bookstore. Tickets are not required for the ceremony. Seating is first-come, first-serve. Guests who require special seating arrangements should contact Jennifer Edwards at edwardsj@waldorf.edu or by phone at 641.585.8134 prior to the ceremony. Participants who are not available to make Commencement may stream the ceremony online. 
 
About Waldorf University
Based in Forest City, Iowa, Waldorf University is a liberal arts institution that delivers engaging learning experiences through innovative residential and online instruction while providing students associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees and certificates in organizational leadership, criminal justice, fire science, theater, education, biology and more. Visit Waldorf.edu to learn more.