Jobs, better jobs, and more education were on the minds of Catawba College graduates Saturday, May 12, following two commencement exercises held in Keppel Auditorium.

Three Catawba College graduates were recognized for academic excellence during Commencement Exercises on May 12. Two were honored as the Whitener Award recipients during the 10 a.m. ceremony, while one student was honored as the Barbara Andrews Award recipient during the 2 p.m. ceremony.

A 1956 alumnus and six-time U.S. Ambassador, William Lacy Swing, received the O.B. Michael Award for 2012 at the 10 a.m. commencement exercise on May 12. Swing has enjoyed a long career at the U.S. Department of State, serving as a six-time ambassador and managing some of the largest diplomatic missions and foreign development and humanitarian aid programs in two hemispheres.

Two long-serving faculty members at Catawba College were recognized during the college's commencement exercises on Saturday, May 12. Dr. Michael Baranski, a professor of biology with 38 years of service, and Dr. Laurel Eason, a professor of English with 21 years of service, will retire at the end of this academic year.

Catawba's 2012 graduating class participated in the Baccalaureate Service and Marshal's Walk on Thursday, May 10 as part of the 2012 commencement activities.

Catawba College's new President Brien Lewis began his first day in the position April 16. His first day included meetings with campus constituencies and lunch with students in the dining hall. Catawba's Board of Trustees approved the selection in early March, following a recommendation by the College's Presidential Search Committee.

Catawba students will take their meals in a renovated dining hall when they return to campus in August. This after College trustees approved a plan for Catawba's food service provider, Chartwells, to renovate the space. Construction will begin after classes and exams conclude on May 9 and will be completed by the start of the 2012-2013 academic year.