MANHATTAN — Along with the other consortium schools, Barton Community College at Fort Riley celebrated the graduation of 134 of its own students on Thursday, May 25, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manhattan. Of those graduating, nearly 110 chose to walk, with some active duty soldiers who were deployed and could not participate.
Barton also held an Honors Ceremony for students in the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society prior to commencement; the fraternity recognizes non-traditional students who maintain a 3.5 GPA and have completed at least 24 credit-hours. Alpha Sigma Lambda celebrates the many challenges faced by non-traditional students, who have to juggle family, work and school to achieve their educational goals.
Barton also honored members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, which recognizes students who carry a 3.5 GPA and are enrolled in at least 12 credit-hours.

Barton Community College graduates Alexandra and Ryan O’Keefe prepare to receive their degrees Thursday afternoon, May 25, at the Fort Riley Education Center commencement ceremony in Manhattan. They crossed the stage with their newborn, Dean. Both plan to pursue further education.
Alexandra, who served in the military, will pursue a degree in veterinary medicine and Ryan, who is active duty, will look to earn a degree in psychology.
“It’s been an interesting ride,” Ryan said of having a newborn while finishing school. “The ride continues.”