150th Annual Commencement

Kentucky Wesleyan College’s 150th Annual Commencement will take place on Saturday, April 28, at 10 a.m. at the Owensboro Convention Center. Nationally-acclaimed businessman Perry Rogers, the CEO and founder of PRP, a sports management and corporate consulting company, will address the Class of 2018. PRP’s client roster includes NBA Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal, NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtic rookie Jayson Tatum and Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic, among others. Mr. Rogers has aligned O’Neal with brands such as American Express, Icy Hot, Gold Bond, Zales, Krispy Kreme and Turner Sports. He has overseen O’Neal’s entire business since 2001.

“I look forward to joining the Kentucky Wesleyan family as we celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2018 together,” said Mr. Rogers. “I know well the stellar academic reputation of the College and the innovative, passionate leadership style of President (Bart) Darrell, and I am honored to have the opportunity to address the distinguished graduates as we send them into the world. Many of my ancestors are Wesleyan graduates, so in a sense, I feel like I’m coming home. It will be great to be in Kentucky.”

Mr. Rogers is also an investor and part owner of two Las Vegas restaurants. He graduated from Georgetown University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1991, and the University of Arizona, where he earned his law degree in 1994.

Prior to the launch of PRP, Perry Rogers managed the careers of tennis Hall of Famers Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, world-renowned actress Brooke Shields, and PGA golfer Adam Scott. He served as president of both Agassi Enterprises, Inc., and the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation in Las Vegas. He has previously bought (and sold) the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino, and founded Nevada First Bank in 2005.

Today, Mr. Rogers is a member of the Board of Trustees for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Foundation, and sits on the Chancellor’s Business Roundtable for the Nevada System of Higher Education. He previously sat on the boards for the ATP Tour, Six Flags Inc., Nevada First Bank, Meadows Bank and Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas. Rogers will also serve as an executive producer on “Uncle Drew,” an upcoming Lionsgate feature film.

A native of Las Vegas, Nev., Rogers resides there with his wife, Nicole, and three children; Hannah, Grant and Ryan.

“We are honored that Perry Rogers will be our commencement speaker,” remarked President Barton D. Darrell. “The ‘Rogers’ name is a rich part of Wesleyan history. Rogers Hall in the Winchester Center was named for Perry’s father, Jim Rogers, whose parents and 18 other family members studied here. We are now in our second year of the Rogers Fellows program, which sends students to Wesleyan from Las Vegas. Perry Rogers is continuing the legacy of his father, and he, too, is accomplishing great things and good works. We are excited for our graduates to hear him.”

The first Kentucky Wesleyan College Commencement took place at the Millersburg campus in 1868, with a graduating class of one, Benjamin Best, who became a teacher and later a prominent Covington businessman. The College’s first Owensboro commencement was held in the Owensboro High School auditorium in May 1952.


Commencement Week Schedule

Thursday, April 26, 2018
6 p.m. Senior Dinner
Owensboro Country Club
400 E. Byers Avenue 

Friday, April 27, 2018
1 p.m. Senior photo (in caps and gowns) on front steps of Barnard-Jones AdministrationBuilding

2 p.m. Commencement Rehearsal
Owensboro Convention Center
501 W. Second Street 

7 p.m. Baccalaureate Service
Honor Cord Ceremony
Legacy Owensboro Church
3300 Frederica Street

Saturday, April 28, 2018
8:30 a.m. Assembly of graduates
Owensboro Convention Center
501 W. Second Street

10 a.m. Commencement
Owensboro Convention Center
501 W. Second Street 

About Baccalaureate:

Baccalaureate is a time of celebration as we recognize the accomplishments of our graduating seniors in a time of worship and prayer, special music, and a baccalaureate address. Honor cords will be awarded for summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude. Graduates are required to attend and must wear graduation robes. Family and friends are invited to attend. Dress is business attire.

 

Suggested accommodations for Commencement Weekend:

*Comfort Suites 230 Salem Dr. (270) 926-7675

*Wingfield Inn & Suites 3220 West Parrish Ave. (270) 685-2433

*Courtyard by Marriott 3120 Highland Pointe Dr. (270) 685-4140

*Days Inn 3720 New Hartford Rd. (270) 684-9621

*Fairfield Inn 800 Salem Dr. (270) 688-8887

*Hampton Inn South 615 Salem Dr. (270) 926-2006

*Holiday Inn Downtown 701 West Second St. (270) 683-1111

*Sleep Inn 51 Bon Harbor Hills Dr. (270) 691-6200

 

(*confirmed Wesleyan discount):