This video titled “The One Hundred Twenty-Fifth Commencement Exercises” was held Under the Oaks at Elon University on Saturday, May 23, 2015. David Copeland (wears a camera around his neck for video and photos) carries the Mace and announces, “The Elon University Faculty proudly presents the Class of 2015”. The academic procession includes: the Flags, the University Mace, the Student Marshals, the Candidates for Degrees, the University four Gonfalons (Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; School of Communications; and School of Education), the Faculty Marshals, the University Trustees, the University Faculty, and the Platform. The Invocation was given by The Reverend Janet (Jan) F. Fuller, University Chaplain. The National Anthem (“The Star Spangled Banner,” by Francis Scott Key) was sung by Danny Bevins, Class of 2015. The Welcome to the Elon University Commencement was given by Nicole A. Morillo, Class of 2012. The Message of Appreciation was read by Sarah Paille-Jansa, President, and Class of 2015. The Introduction to the Keynote Speaker was given by Steven D. House (Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs). The Address was presented by Charlie Cook P’2015 (Editor and Publisher of The Cook Political Report and Columnist for the National Journal). The Announcement of Honors and Awards and Presentation of Candidates for Degrees were acknowledged by Provost Steven House. The Conferring of Degrees was presented by Leo M. Lambert. Awarding of the Diplomas was Nicole E. Triche, Assistant Professor of Communications; Kirby R. Wahl, Associate Professor of Performing Arts; and T. Kenneth Gaither, Associate Dean of the School of Communications and Associate Professor of Communications. The Alma Mater was sung by Danny Bevins, Class of 2015. The Charge to the Graduates was given by Leo M. Lambert – “Long, Live, Elon”. The Recessional was the “Grand March” by Aida Giuseppe Verdi. Also, the platform party on stage included: Luke Bierman, Dean of the School of Law; Deborah T. Long, Interim Dean of the School of Education; Paul F. Parsons, Dean of the School of Communications; Gabie E. Smith, Interim Dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; Elizabeth A. Rogers, Dean of the School of Health Sciences; and Raghuram (Raghu) Tadepalli, Dean of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business. A notable scene included: Maroon caps and gowns from the Class of 2015. Some names included: Mary Alice Bragg, Lucy Cook, Jeff Cook, Rebecca and Jeremy Davis, David and Carolyn Cook, and Rodney L. Parks.
