Reinhardt University’s Class of 2017 – the largest graduating class in school history – will confer their degrees Friday, May 5, at 10 a.m., at Ken White Field at University Stadium. Dr. Belle Wheelan, president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, will give the keynote address to the more than 350 graduates.
“We’re proud to celebrate the success of our largest graduating class in the history of Reinhardt,” said Dr. Kina S. Mallard, University President. “We know there is no limit to what the Class of 2017 will accomplish.”
Dr. Wheelan’s esteemed career spans more than 40 years in higher education. She has served as faculty, chief student services officer, provost, college president and Virginia secretary of education. In several of these roles, she was the first African-American and/or women to serve in those capacities.
Reinhardt also will bestow an honorary doctorate degree to Gainesville resident Garland Reynolds, president of Reynolds Architects. Reynolds is the eye behind the design of the Floyd A. and Fay W. Falany Performing Arts Center and the William W. Fincher Jr. and Eunice L. Fincher Visual Arts Center. Reynolds’ work also is found across North Georgia in Helen and Dahlonega, as well as in downtown Atlanta. He currently holds positions on Reinhardt University’s President’s Advisory Council and the Board of Directors for the Funk Heritage Center.
In addition to the Commencement Ceremony, Reinhardt University will host a Baccalaureate Service for the graduating Class of 2017 Thursday, May 4, at 7 p.m. The service, led by the Rev. Timothy J. Emmett, pastor of Waleska United Methodist Church, will be held in Flint Hall at Falany Performing Arts Center.
Belle Wheelan, Ph.D.
