UNK Spring Commencement set for May 9, 2003

Ann Tillery
308.865.8131

Richard K. Davidson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Union Pacific Corporation will deliver the University of Nebraska at Kearney spring commencement address on Friday, May 9, at the Health and Sports Center. Graduation ceremonies begin at 10 a.m.

Davidson will address 625 spring graduates, 512 will receive bachelor degrees and 113 will receive their master’s degrees. An additional 109 students will participate in spring commencement but plan to earn their undergraduate degrees during the upcoming summer session. There is not a separate summer commencement ceremony.

Richard (Dick) Davidson is a nationally recognized entrepreneur and business leader. He has held the position of Chairman, President and CEO of the Union Pacific Corporation since January 1, 1997. A native of Allen, Kan., Mr. Davidson’s professional career began when he was an 18-year-old university student working as a Brakeman/Conductor with the Missouri Pacific Railroad in 1960. He was appointed Assistant Trainmaster at Shreveport, La., in 1966, and subsequently held various positions in the Operating Department at Fort Worth, Texas, Kansas City and North Little Rock, Ark. In 1975, Davidson was named Assistant to the Vice President of Operations in St. Louis, and he became Vice President of Operations in 1976.(Biography: Richard K. Davidson)

Chancellor Douglas Kristensen will give the commencement welcome and will present both the Cornerstone of Excellence Award and the Leland Holdt/Security Mutual Life Award. Regent Kent Schroeder of Kearney will give the greetings on behalf of the University Board of Regents. Alumni President Michael Fitzpatrick of Omaha will extend greetings on behalf of the alumni association.

Also addressing the graduates will be UNK graduate Brian Meade of Papillion, giving the Senior Class Response. Molly Lungrin, senior fromKearney, will give the Student Greetings. Special music will be performed by the UNK Wind Ensemble, directed by Gary Davis, the Choraleers, under the direction of David Bauer. Senior Sarah Ponder of Columbus will sing the National Anthem and senior Michael McNeil of Almena, Kan., will provide the accompaniment.

Addressing the students at the Honors Convocation breakfast will be Chancellor Doug Kristensen. Student Regent and Student Body President Michelle McGeorge of Craig and Anna Burdorf of Emmetsburg, Iowa will give the student address and closing remarks, respectively.

Click here to view a list of those who completed graduation requirements (PDF)