Wingate, N.C. — Wingate University President Jerry E. McGee awarded diplomas to 414 graduates of the Class of 2009 at the May 9 commencement.

Laurie Anna McConnell, daughter of Gary and Barbara McConnell, graduated May 9 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Laurie is from Proctorville.

Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a private four-year co-educational institution of 2,129 students offering active learning opportunities through personalized instruction, world travel, faith nurturing, career discovery and community service.

Wingate offers more than 40 undergraduate majors in arts and sciences, business, education, fine arts, music, and sports sciences. It also offers graduate degrees in physician assistant studies, education and doctor of pharmacy degree.

Bulldog student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division II sports. Wingate University has won the South Atlantic Conference Excellence Award for the past three years.