By Sharadyn Janssen

As commencement is right around the corner, Quincy University seniors are cherishing their last few weeks at QU.

Graduating from QU looks different for every senior. For some, it may look like the beginning of adulthood, applying for careers, and finally moving out of the house. For others, it may mean finding additional education to pursue, taking a break, or figuring out what it is they want to do with their lives.

Regardless of what commencement means to each individual, this ceremony is a time for seniors and their friends and family to celebrate their academic accomplishments and achievements.

Kennedy Gooding, QU senior, is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in history with a 9-12 grade teaching licensure.

“I think I’m most excited about entering the workforce and putting all my education to use for other people! I get to continue learning, just without having to worry about my grades,” Gooding said.

Danielle Buss, QU senior, is getting her degree in elementary education. She plans on finding a school to teach at after graduation.

“Since I’m a part of the Hawkettes Dance Team, we missed out on the basketball season and most of football season. I feel like I didn’t get to experience a lot of the lasts I was supposed to have, but my fellow Hawkettes still made it an unforgettable dance season and that’s something I’ll cherish forever,” Buss said.

Lynnea Janssen, QU senior, is also getting a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education degree next month.

“Student teaching has really shown me that I’m doing exactly what I was always meant to do,” Janssen said. “My students just threw a going away party for me and it was really hard to think about leaving them at the end of this school year.”

Janssen plans on working at Central Elementary School next year as a second grade teacher.

Since the coronavirus is an unprecedented event, students have had to learn to navigate the challenges that it has created.

“This year has been unlike any other, and my last year at Quincy University has not been at all what I had envisioned,” Gooding said. “COVID-19 has made my learning experience much tougher.”

“Trying to adapt to the new world of face masks, dividers, and social distancing in not only the classroom but also in the local community has been tough, but I feel like QU has done a great job of keeping up with what we need to do to keep students safe,” Buss said.

There will be two ceremonies for the Quincy University Commencement. The first one is at 10:30 a.m. and the second one is at 2:00 p.m. Both ceremonies are on Saturday, May 8, 2021. Each graduate planning to participate in the Graduation ceremony will be granted five tickets to give to people of their choice.