The University of Lynchburg will celebrate the Class of 2022 over several days, with Commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 19-21.
Dr. Julius Sigler ’62, ’15 DSc will deliver the Commencement address for the undergraduate Class of 2022 at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 19, on Shellenberger Field. He also will serve as the Commencement speaker for the master’s programs ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday, May 20, in the same location.
Sigler returned to his alma mater in 1967 to teach physics after completing his PhD at the University of Virginia. He retired in 2015 as vice president and dean for academic affairs. His nearly five decades as a professor and administrator at Lynchburg also included serving as dean of the School of Sciences from 2003 to 2007.
After his retirement, Lynchburg renamed its science building Hobbs-Sigler Science Center in his honor, and Sigler received an honorary doctorate. In recent years, Sigler has continued to teach at the University in Senior Symposium and physics.
Sigler has served as a consultant to technology companies and the National Science Foundation and was director of the Robert E. Lee Soil and Water Conservation District. He is a former member of the Lynchburg City School Board and has served as chair of the board of the Central Virginia Governor’s School for Science and Technology.
“As an alumnus and longtime professor and administrator, Dr. Sigler is an integral part of our history,” said Provost Dr. Allison Jablonski. “We look forward to welcoming him back to campus to share his experience and wisdom with our graduates.”
Dr. Richard Handley will speak at the Doctor of Medical Science Hooding and Commencement Ceremony at 9 a.m. Friday, May 21, on Shellenberger Field. He is the chief operating officer at Wells World Service, an international medical corporation overseeing the care of U.S. employees stationed overseas.
At 2 p.m. that day in Turner Gymnasium, Andrew van Haren ’19 MSAT, ’22 DPT will deliver the address to fellow DPT graduates in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Hooding and Commencement Ceremony.
President Dr. Alison Morrison-Shetlar will address EdD graduates in the Doctor of Education Hooding and Commencement Ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 21, in Sydnor Performance Hall in Schewel Hall.
Commencement celebrations also include Baccalaureate at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, in Snidow Chapel. The Rev. Amy Butler will deliver the keynote address. Butler currently leads National City Christian Church, a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Washington, D.C., as interim senior minister.
A complete schedule can be found on the Commencement website.
