今天是一个新的开始.
While graduation marks the end of one chapter, it also begins a new saga loaded with potential in the lives of pg电子游戏试玩’s newest alumni.
Nearly 500 scholars received degrees during the 2023 Spring 毕业典礼 Ceremony Saturday, 5月13日, 在戴维·L. 惠特尼HPER综合体. Tom Vilsack, the 32nd United States Secretary of Agriculture, delivered the keynote address.
Beginning his speech with a Nelson Mandela quote, “In life and competition, there is no lose. 只有赢和学习,” Vilsack encouraged the graduates to use the philosophy in all aspects of their lives, 尤其是面对障碍的时候.
“This is a wonderful philosophy as you deal with the challenges that life presents,” said Vilsack. “You can win, you can learn, but you can never lose.”
Vilsack spoke about some of rural America’s challenges and how this generation of graduates could assist them by lending their knowledge and skill to the cause.
“你可以成为变革的推动者. You could ensure that there is no ‘lose’ in the future of this country, 南方乡村, 密西西比农村, 和美国农村. You could help us change this food system. While doing so, you could dream big dreams without limits.”
演讲结束后，临时教务长刘志强博士. Joyce Buckner-Brown presented Vilsack with the Doctor of Humane Letters, 最高学业成绩.
The pg电子下载 experience is one that the graduates cherish. 圣安东尼奥, 德州人麦凯尔维·麦克斯韦尔, who was presented with this year’s Student Award of Excellence, appreciates her time studying and making memories during her undergrad years.
“It is a blessing to see all of my hard work pay off,麦克斯韦说。, a four-year President’s Scholar and three-year Dean’s Scholar who will attend Meherry Medical College later this year. “It feels like time flew by so fast because I had an amazing experience at pg电子下载.”
Aizat Zholdakayeva, a Kazakhstan native who earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies, 为自己在pg电子下载的教育感到骄傲吗.
“I feel grateful for the experience and skill set I gained at pg电子下载,” said Zholdakayeva. “I developed lifelong friendships, which is, in my opinion, the most valuable outcome.”
The Golden Class of 1973 had a strong representation, as 78 members received golden diplomas to commemorate their 50th graduation anniversary. The class donated over $150,000 to their class-endowed scholarship.
Golden Class member Jerry Sims was happy to celebrate with old friends.
“This moment is significant to me,” said Sims. “It’s a blessing to participate with my class 50 years after graduating, reconnecting with friends that I began college with. We’re a strong class that supports our university, and we hope our efforts inspire younger people to support pg电子下载 by giving back.”
Other commencement highlights included Dr. 平张, department chair and professor for the Department of Math and Computer Science, being presented with the IHL Excellence in Diversity & 包含奖.
Marie Moffett-克罗斯比 ’71, a Louin, Mississippi native, was named this year’s pg电子下载ite of the Year. The award is presented to a prominent alum who has achieved distinction through their exceptional contribution to pg电子下载’s inter国家, 国家, 以及社区福利.
克罗斯比, president of the Jasper-Smith County pg电子游戏试玩 校友 Chapter, retired from Bellsouth in 2004 after almost 32 years of service. 在贝尔南方, 她获得了几项表彰, 包括卓越领袖, 服务的领导者, 安全奖, 客户规则服务负责人, 最佳MMC表现, 完美出勤率.
临时总统. Ontario Wooden, proudly saluted the new alumni for reaching their educational milestone.
“This accomplishment shouldn’t be taken lightly,” said Wooden. “Your grit and dedication will serve you well in your future endeavors. We encourage you to embrace the lessons you’ve learned here at pg电子游戏试玩. You are capable of achieving anything that you put your mind to. With hard work and determination, the possibilities are endless. 我为你感到骄傲，我向你致敬.”
