Peru State College celebrated commencement for its graduating class of 2025 Saturday, May 10, 2025. A large crowd attended the proceedings in the Al Wheeler Activity Center on the College’s campus.

The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Wendy Waugh, Interim President of Peru State College, who welcomed graduates, family, friends, and distinguished guests to the event. Musical selections of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Irish Blessing” were performed by the Peru State Combined Choirs under the direction of Dr. Jacob Bartlett.

The 2025 Peru State College Distinguished Service Award was presented to Paul and Arlene Fell and Butch and Dobey Haws – all of Lincoln. The Fells, both 1967 graduates of the College, recently served as the co-chairs for the successful Project ROAR capital campaign and have established a scholarship. The Fells had previously served as long-time chairs of the National Alumni Association. The Hawses have been long-time supporters of the Peru State College Foundation and have supported many of the College’s fundraising efforts. The Haws Family Lobby in the renovated Performing Arts Center is named for them.

Dr. Nathan Netzer was presented with the 2025 Peru State College Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Netzer, an Associate Professor of Chemistry, has taught at Peru State since 2017. Dr. Netzer has been the leader in bringing new scientific equipment and collaboration to the College. With the collaborations and the state-of-the-art equipment, Dr. Netzer hopes to instill excitement and wonder into the students’ imagination.

The 2025 ceremony saw 336 graduates recognized for their academic achievements and dedication to their studies. The college awarded 96 master’s degrees and 240 bachelor’s degrees to individuals from 24 states and seven countries. After the formal presentation of the graduating class of 2025, Dr. Waugh congratulated all graduates on their success and wished them well as they begin a new chapter in their lives.

Kadyn Dowdy, Rock Port, Missouri, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration – Accounting/CPA, Business Administration – Business Finance, Organizational Leadership and Management (minor), Magna Cum Laude.