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Pendleton inmates receive college diplomas
The Herald Bulletin
PENDLETON, Ind. — Christopher Lewis’ walk across the front of his graduating class to receive his college diploma Friday was especially important to him.
The Pendleton Correctional Facility inmate reveled in his chance to graduate cum laude from Ball State University with his bachelor’s of general studies degree, even more so because he missed his high school graduation ceremony while he was incarcerated.
“It feel great,” said Lewis, who was convicted in 2003 of murder, armed robbery, criminal confinement and battery.
Lewis hopes to continue his education by studying for a master’s degree in sociology.
“I want to be an example to my peers,” he said. “I want to be a mentor.”
Lewis was one of 52 associate’s and bachelor’s degree recipients to graduate from Ball State and Grace College on Friday at the Pendleton Correctional Facility. The inmates received their diplomas as their family members proudly looked on in the campus’ religious services building.