A-State Confers Nearly 800 Diplomas At Summer Commencement
JONESBORO – A “celebration of accomplishments by our graduates,” was how Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research Dr. Lynita Cooksey defined the evening as she conferred nearly 800 degrees to members of the 2015 summer graduating class at Arkansas State University Friday.
“You are to be commended for your success,” Cooksey told the graduates at the ceremony in A-State’s Convocation Center. “Your family and friends should also be commended for helping you to get here. The definition of commencement is beginning. Learning at Arkansas State is continuing life.”
Julie Isaacson, president of Arkansas State’s Faculty Senate and an associate professor of nursing, spoke on behalf of the A-State faculty, urging the class to thank their families for their support throughout their college experience and to stay in touch with Arkansas State University.
Sarah Fagan of Benton, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in radiologic sciences, addressed the gathering on behalf of the 2015 graduating class. She graduated magna cum laude and is a member of Lambda Nu, a national honor society for the radiologic and imaging sciences.
Additionally, she has been listed among Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges during her college career, and is a familiar name on the Chancellor’s List for students who achieve a 3.5 or better grade point average.
“Commencement does mean beginning, onset and my favorite, launching,” said Fagan. “This is not a night about reflection, though. Tomorrow, we will be professionals, not students. We have an obligation to perform well. A new door will open. You have received many congratulations today, but there are still many achievements yet to be accomplished.”
Additional photographs of the event may be viewed on Arkansas State’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ArkansasState.