Grove City College held its 142nd Commencement proceedings Saturday, where more than 550 degrees were awarded. Submitted photo

GROVE CITY — Grove City College awarded more than 550 degrees to the graduating Class of 2022 at its commencement proceedings Saturday.

The 142nd college commencement was the first to see a graduating class from the college’s Master of Science in Business Analytics program.

Family and friends gathered on the campus quad in the blazing heat to cheer on the class that persevered through a pandemic and other obstacles, according to student speaker, Reese Overholt.

Alumnus Dr. Stephen “Andy” Sems ’95, orthopedic surgeon with the Mayo Clinic, said he knew from experience that a degree from Grove City College could take graduates to new heights.

“I know how hard it is to get a degree from Grove City College,” he said. “I know for a fact: you can get anywhere from here.”

Grove City College president Paul J. McNulty, shook every graduates hand that crossed the stage, and congratulated them on a job well done.

“You have earned a bachelor’s degree from one of the most academically challenging colleges in the country,” he said. “More importantly, your education has been grounded in a vision for you as a person made in the image of God and called to love him with your heart, mind, soul, and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.”