Sprint Corp. CEO in Cape for Southeast's graduation

Golda Meir. Benjamin Franklin. George Bernard Shaw.

Each had something in common with the 576 college students who graduated Saturday from Southeast Missouri State University.

"All of them were, at some point in their lives, where you are today: uncertain about what lies ahead," guest speaker Gary Forsee told the graduates.

The same is true of Forsee, a 1968 graduate of Cape Girardeau's Central High School who married a Southeast graduate and is now the chairman and chief executive officer of Sprint Corp.

Once convinced he wanted to build bridges, Forsee graduated with an engineering degree from the University of Missouri at Rolla.

Instead, he has spent the past 30 years building a successful career in the telecommunications industry. He shared his tips for success with students at Southeast's winter commencement ceremonies Saturday afternoon at the Show-Me Center.

"Set goals. Take risks. Don't worry about failing," Forsee told the graduates. "And don't forget where you came from."

It's that last piece of advice that touched the heart of newly-minted teacher Hillary Mayberry.

"That was the most inspiring part," said Mayberry, a Puxico, Mo. resident who received her bachelor's degree in elementary education. "College. I can't believe I'm done. It was a rough but wonderful experience."

Saturday's 488 undergraduate and 88 graduate students now join some 60,000 people from across the world as alumni of Southeast. For most, the ceremony was the final step of a long, trying journey.

"I think it's basically the same for all of us -- a relief," said James McDonald of Jackson, who graduated after six years of college with a bachelor's degree in industrial design technology.

Among the 2003 class, five students were recognized with perfect 4.0 grade point averages, an honor that only 181 students in Southeast's 130-year-old history achieved before them.

cclark@semissourian.com

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