Gov. Sam Brownback walks to commencement alongside President Maurer and Marv Dewey, vice president of advancement.

Platform Marshal Gordon Kling stands with The City of McPherson Bag Pipe Band.

President Maurer welcomes guests and graduates to the 2012 commencement ceremony.

Senior Class Representative Hannah Herrington delivers her senior reflection speech.

Gov. Sam Brownback delivers his speech "Liberty, Responsibility: Keys to Kansas' Future."

Gov. Sam Brownback tells the graduates to never stop developing their minds and their souls.

Gov. Sam Brownback encourages the graduates to follow their dreams as a responsibility to themselves and others.

Annette Ensz tweets a photo with Dr. Maurer after receiving her diploma.

Stuart Parman puts his diploma in the air as a sign of celebration and excitement.

Pamela Holderness shakes hands with Trustee Randy Henry after receiving her diploma.

Dr. Maurer presents Harold '58 and Pat (Offerle '60) Hood with the Distinguished Service Award.

President Maurer and Dr. Kerr confer Gov. Sam Brownback with an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters.

Diane DeFranco-Kling reads the poem, "Molder of Dreams," in acceptance of her conferral of faculty emeritus rank.

Gordon Kling reflects on how the stage has been his world for the past 44 years when accepting his conferral of faculty emeritus

Dr. Brad Nix is awarded the William McCreery Teaching Award for his outreach to students.

Caitlin Magee is awarded the 2012 Outstanding Female Graduate Award and the Fran Jabara Leadership Award.

Cuyler Prichard is awarded the 2012 Outstanding Male Graduate Award and the Fran Jabara Leadership Award.

College Marshal Arn Froese leads the graduates out of the commencement ceremony.

R. Cameron Bartlett hugs another graduate in celebration of the ceremony.

Taylor Stucky gives friend Tim Luisi a congratulatory hug after the ceremony.

Mike Danski embraces a fellow graduate to celebrate their hard work.

A proud parent embraces his daughter outside Gleason gymnasium.

Cory Dunbar stops for a pose with Lesa Plinske outside of Gleason.

Ryan Corwin shakes hands with a family friend after the graduation ceremony.

Professor Emeritus Gordon Kling stands and rejoices with students after the celebration.

Mike Talton is embraced by an excited relative after the graduation ceremony.