SEMO students celebrate winter graduation

More than 700 graduates -- cheered on by proud parents and well-wishers -- were awarded degrees Saturday at Southeast Missouri State University's Fall Commencement ceremony.

In all, 532 undergraduates and 192 master's candidates received degrees. Fifteen students earned specialist degrees.

"It may be overcast outside, but this is a great afternoon," Ken Dobbins, president of Southeast, told the latest graduates.

But Dobbins also was mindful of the tragedy that occurred Friday in Newtown, Conn. He asked for a moment of silence for those affected by a lone gunman's shooting rampage at an elementary school.

"Our hearts here at Southeast are heavy for the families that have been impacted by the senseless violence in Connecticut," Dobbins said.

Maddie Banners, left, and Christina Abood decorate their mortar boards before Southeast Missouri State University's 2012 Fall Commencement Exercises Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Show Me Center. (ADAM VOGLER)

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri gave the commencement address.

"There's no good 30-minute graduation speech," Blunt said, "and there's no bad 14-minute speech. So please bear with me for about 14 minutes."

Blunt said many challenges face the country.

"We have to establish priorities we can afford," he said, "and we must support private-sector job growth, something a lot of you here are interested in."

Blunt spoke about the rapidly changing world of technology, and how agriculture has grown -- not just in the U.S., but around the world. He said Southeast Missouri is a transportation hub for the country, and told graduates how we must compete with the rest of the world in the areas of trade and energy.

"All of these fields I have mentioned just may be the destination for some of you here today," he said.

Blunt closed by saying those getting their degrees will be taken to places they've never known.

"You have decided to expand your capacities," he said. "You have decided to do a little more than what was required to better yourselves, and for that I congratulate you all."

After Blunt had spoken, time was made to remember a graduate who could not be in attendance. Cindi and Ian Herndon, parents of Southeast senior Meg Herndon, who died from injuries sustained in an accident in September, were recognized. They accepted their daughter's Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in her memory.

After the students walked across the front stage to have their names called as graduates of Southeast, they were congratulated and wished the best of luck with future endeavors.

Deja Cox of St. Louis, who received her degree in accounting, said she doesn't have a job lined up in her field but will be employed.

"I'll have a job selling insurance," Cox said. "But I may also look into getting my master's degree and then become a certified public accountant. We'll see."

Zac Gendron of Jackson, who graduated with a degree in communication, plans to apply his degree in his current job.

"I work at Regent's Bank and will continue to work there," he said.

Cory Troske of St. Louis, said he had no leads for employment.

"I don't have a job yet," he said. "I'm taking it slow and seeing what comes up."

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address: Show Me Center, Cape Girardeau, Mo.