Speaker tells graduates not to be discouraged by challenges

Smiling students adorned in black caps and gowns could be seen outside the Show Me Center on Saturday afternoon taking photos and hugging friends and loved ones before they prepared to make that long-awaited walk across the stage.

A total of 1,348 students received degrees at Southeast Missouri State University's spring commencement. The number represents a continued upward trend for the university's spring graduation numbers. For the second year in a row, the university broke its record for spring commencement class numbers.

This time last year, 1,333 students received undergraduate, master's, specialist and cooperative doctoral degrees.

University president Kenneth Dobbins greeted the packed room at the beginning of the afternoon ceremonies by thanking the families in attendance and those watching the live online broadcast in other states and countries.

Throughout the program, he applauded students that were the first in their families to graduate from college -- which appeared to represent nearly half the group as they stood to be recognized -- as well as the students who were joining siblings, parents and grandparents as Southeast alumni.

Southeast Missouri State University's spring commencement, Saturday, May 17, 2014, at the Show Me Center. (Laura Simon)

In addition to honoring students, time was taken to recognize the university's faculty. Provost Bill Eddleman presented the PRIDE Award to biology professor Walt Lilly for his dedication and excellence as a teacher. Eddleman said many students have praised Lilly's classes as the best preparation they received before moving on to medical school.

This year's commencement address was delivered by Muriel A. Howard, whom Dobbins called an advocate of education and a friend of the university. Howard has served as president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities since 2009, where she advocates on behalf of member colleges and universities to influence federal policies and regulations.

As technology advances and the world becomes more connected, she said that today's graduates face different challenges than those of her time. But as with their predecessors, she challenged the students to overcome those challenges and leave their mark on the world.

"I implore you to give some thought to your future contributions to the community and to the world," she said. "You will all face challenges. Some careers are more difficult than others or a little slower to get started, but I don't want you to be discouraged by that."

The job market is on the rebound, she added, so those graduating this year may find the search for their future careers slightly easier than the classes before them. As of last month, the national unemployment rate was at 6.3 percent, she said, and unemployment among college graduates was at 6.4 percent.

For many graduating students, the search is still on to find that first job. But others, such as Cassie Parks, are already preparing for the first day.

The Poplar Bluff, Missouri, graduate received her bachelor of science degree in special education and will begin next school year as the new fourth-grade teacher for O'Neal Elementary School in Poplar Bluff.

"I'm ready to start making the classroom my own after this," said Parks, who has always wanted to work in education.

Brandon Nixon of Potosi, Missouri, said he hasn't quite decided what path he'll take after graduation. The nontraditional student managed to earn a degree in technology management while owning a trucking business.

"We're putting in a new truck stop close to the house, so I don't know my exact plans as of yet," he said.

Regardless, Nixon said he was happy to finally make it to graduation day.

srinehart@semissourian.com

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