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Hoards of excited family and friends braved the rainy Saturday to celebrate LaGrange College’s Class of 2025. The ceremony is normally held at Callaway stadium, however was changed to the LaGrange High School gymnasium due to weather conditions. 

It was a packed house for the ceremony. Local students, whether originally from LaGrange or those who have found themselves here during school, got their diplomas. 

Students were not the only ones honored during the ceremony. Speer Burdette, former Callaway Foundation president, was given an honorary doctoral degree by the university. 

“Under your leadership the foundation has helped transform this community; Sweetland Amphitheater, Wild Leap [Brewery], Del’evant [Event Center], the AMC theater…all created with your help,” said Dr. Susanna Baxter, president of LaGrange College, during Burdette’s introduction. 

The commencement address was given by Dr. Davin Mitchell, owner of and physician at Total Diagnostic and Interventional Pain in LaGrange. He spoke of his continued imposter syndrome throughout his impressive medical career. 

“Imposter Syndrome is the persistent and nagging idea that your success is not deserved,” Mitchell said. “It made me ask, ‘Why am I here?’ Many of you have asked yourself that same question…What I have learned is that preparation helps you answer it.”

He encouraged the graduates to find the answer to that question outside of a profession, as well.

“At every milestone ask, ‘Why am I here,’ and take a moment to answer. Be clear about your goals, evaluate your status honestly and plot a path to success but don’t hold onto it too tightly. Changes are it won’t work out the way you plan, but it will still work out in the end.”

Another local spotlight happened during the conferring of diplomas. Dr. Stacey Ernsetberger, Professor of Mathematics, received her Master of Education degree in higher education administration on Saturday. Before getting her degree she got to hand her son, Lucas, a dual enrollment student at LaGrange High School his Associate of Arts degree with concentrations in chemistry and mathematics.

The pair shared a hug in their matching caps and gowns before officially becoming graduates.