FAYETTE, Missouri — More than 500 Central Methodist University earned degrees this spring, with graduates from the Fayette and statewide campuses, as well as online, walked across the commencement stage in May.

Graduates were recognized for academic honors at the ceremony and were treated to a commencement address by former Missouri judge and lawmaker Ted House.

Vanessa Lynette Hughes of Clearlake Oaks, Calif., majored in biology and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, cum laude.

Since its founding in 1854, CMU has evolved into a university that confers master's, bachelor's and associate's degrees through programming on its main campus in Fayette, Mo., and through extension sites and online.