GRADUATES ARE LAUDED, DIPLOMAS HARD-EARNED

For a university, no days fetch more pride than when a graduating class is turned loose on the world. Southeast Missouri State University's class of 1991 takes this spotlight Saturday. With pride in their accomplishments and gratitude that they spent some of their formative years here, this community wishes these graduates the best of luck.

The 652 persons getting undergraduate degrees, along with 57 earning graduate degrees, head off into a "real world" of clouded job pro~spects and economic uncertainty. The majority of these students finished high school and dwelled in university classrooms during a period of major economic expansion in America. It is their misfortune to find a fiscal downturn hailing their departure from the local halls of learning. Jobs listed with the campus placement office are off 9 percent this year, while on-campus interviews have dropped by 14 percent.

Still, hardship is akin to opportunity for those with a work ethic and a grain of boldness. This class comes highly recommended to the task: 113 undergraduates will receive their diplomas with honors, having earned at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Four students will lead the class with perfect 4.0 averages. Impressive pedigrees of this nature don't guarantee success, but we believe the hard work will be rewarded.

Interestingly, two people who will be present at Saturday's commencement ceremonies bring special lessons of life for graduates. Sanford N. McDonnell, the day's featured speaker, not only has been an industrial captain as head of his namesake company, McDonnell Douglas Corp., but has contributed his talents to numerous endeavors that benefit mankind, ranging from ethics education to the Boy Scouts of America. Linda Godwin, a Southeast graduate and recently of the space shuttle Atlantis, will also be on hand for the presentation of a banner she carried into space; her presence also points out the need for graduates to aim high and never give up in their pursuits.

To the parents who will visit Cape Girardeau for Saturday's grand events, we bid welcome and offer appreciation for entrusting your children to these environs over the past years. To the students, we bid adieu, at least to those not settling here, and good luck; we are proud of the university and believe you have been well-trained. To all involved, we hope the experience of graduation is enjoyable, for the diplomas have been hard-earned.