A-State Students Celebrated during Spring Commencement Ceremonies
Chancellor Todd Shields congratulates a graduating student during spring commencement.
JONESBORO – Nearly 2,500 students received their diplomas today from Arkansas State University.
Ceremonies were held at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at First National Bank Arena, where students from the eight colleges and the graduate school celebrated with their friends, families and A-State community.
“Commencement is a special time of accomplishment. I have no doubt that all of you worked hard to get here today, overcoming challenges while balancing your studies with other responsibilities,” said Chancellor Todd Shields.
Shields, along with Dr. Calvin White Jr., provost and executive vice chancellor, conferred degrees to graduates. From the College of Agriculture, Neil Griffin College of Business, College of Education and Behavioral Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Liberal Arts and Communication, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics, and University College.
The speaker at the morning ceremony was Ann Long, a Distinguished Service Award winner from Jackson, Mo., who graduated with a double major in political science and history from the College of Liberal Arts and Communication.
“You all persevered in the face of uncertainty and that speaks volumes about the quality of the graduating Class of 2024,” said Long. “As you go on to the next chapter of your lives, look back on your time here and remember all that you have accomplished. Think of your triumphs, big and small, and the relationships and friendships you built with your peers and A-State family that will last for a lifetime because you now and forever will be a Red Wolf.”
The afternoon ceremony featured Wilson Award winner Natan Gomez who graduated with a degree in biotechnology from the Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics.
“I can sum this up with my research for the past four years. I worked with the most beautiful creation, plants,” said Gomez. “I have learned they give more than they take. They do not produce unnecessary noise but simply grow and listen. We might not be able to produce oxygen like them, but we can certainly enrich the world around us, planting seeds of kindness and ambition wherever we go.”
The morning ceremony was for graduates in Business, Liberal Arts and Communication, Nursing and Health Professions, and University College.
The afternoon ceremony was for graduates in Agriculture, Education and Behavioral Science, Engineering and Computer Science, and Sciences and Mathematics.
