Midland University has announced that alumnus Allen Beermann, a former Nebraska Secretary of State, will be the honorary speaker for the 2017 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 13.

“It is always an honor to welcome home one of our own, especially on such an important day for the university and our students,” Midland University President Jody Horner said. “Mr. Beermann understands the uniqueness of the Midland experience and the lifelong relationships that are formed in such a close-knit community.”

Beermann was Nebraska’s longest serving Secretary of State, serving 24 years. At one point during his six terms – from 1971 through 1995 – he served as the president of the National Association of Secretaries of State. 

After serving the state, Beermann became the Executive Director of the Nebraska Press Association and Nebraska Press Advertising Service. 

Born and raised on a farm in Dakota County, Nebraska, Beermann is a graduate of South Sioux City High School. He obtained his undergraduate degree at the then Midland Lutheran College in 1962 before earning a Juris Doctorate Degree at Creighton University School of Law.

Throughout his distinguished career, Beermann has been a member of the Nebraska Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the U.S. Army Reserve and Nebraska National Guard. He has served on the board of directors of People to People International, the advisory panel for the Federal Election Commission, and the board of directors for the Nebraska State Patrol Foundation, Inc., and served for 16 years on the Immanuel Hospital Board of Directors. He also is the past chairman of the Nebraska Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Beermann previously has been honored by Midland. In May 1995, he was the recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Laws. He also received the All-American Journalist Award from Midland in 2009, and is a member of Midland’s Journalism Hall of Fame.

On May 13, Beermann returns to campus to speak to the more than 300 members of the Class of 2017. Midland’s campus has seen many changes since Beermann was a student in the early 1960s.

Midland has grown to have nearly 1,400 students as opportunities in athletics and performing arts have increased. Alongside 35 academic programs, the university now offers 31 varsity-level sports. Additionally, more than 250 students are involved in a wide variety of performing arts programs, from instrumental and vocal music to dance and theater.

Commencement is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. in the Wikert Event Center. Additional details about the ceremony and other events associated with the ceremony can be found at www.MidlandU.edu/commencement.