Manchester University Mission Statement
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.

NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – Manchester University honored its 272 newest alumni on Saturday, May 14.

Commencement 2016 marked a milestone in Manchester University history as it conferred its first Doctor of Pharmacy degrees.

That also meant two commencement ceremonies. The first was for the pharmacy and master’s candidates at 10 a.m. in Cordier Auditorium.

It was marked by a one-minute standing ovation, after which President Dave McFadden’s response was, “All I can say is ‘Wow!’”

President Emerita Jo Young Switzer offered the charge to the graduates: “Be a person of ability and conviction, always.”

She offered four guiding principles, at once easy and difficult: Be respectful. Be accurate. Speak up for fairness. Always be truthful.

There were 50 doctoral candidates in the Pharmacy Program and seven in Master’s of Athletic Training.

Commencement for undergraduates was 2:30 p.m. in the Physical Education and Recreation Center. Degrees were conferred to 215 undergraduates.

The Commencement speaker at both ceremonies, Melanie A. Duiguid-May, was conferred with the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. The 1976 Manchester graduate is the John Price Crozer Professor of Theology at Colgate Rochester Divinity School in Rochester N.Y.

She told the story of a teacher who asked his followers, “Are you able to drink the cup?” She challenged graduates respond to contemporary challenges and told them they were born to be transformers. 

They are called upon to practice hospitality in a world of barriers, where so many are seen as the  “other.”

Her sentiments were echoed by McFadden. “The world needs you. Go get ’em!”

The Response from the Class of 2016 was given by Hannah Glenn. "As Manchester students, we have heard countless reminders to be our best selves. When you go on to your careers, graduate schools, Fulbright placements, or wherever the road may take you, remember to be people of ability and conviction. Take chances, stand up for what you believe in, believe in yourselves, do good."