The Maryville community was overjoyed to celebrate an in-person Commencement for the first time in two years since the pandemic began. Nearly 1,000 graduates walked across the stage during two ceremonies — one undergraduate and a second graduate — at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo. Faculty, family and friends were also welcomed back to cheer on graduates. Among the Class of 2022 was Stancel Skelton who, at 83 years young, proved you are never too old to follow your dreams. A Maryville Online student, Skelton graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and traveled from San Jose, Calif., to attend Commencement. Additionally, Martha “Marti” Keller, who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, had more than one reason to celebrate: Her boyfriend popped the question during a surprise marriage proposal following her walk across the Commencement stage.