Nearly 2,100 Students Receive Degrees in Spring Commencement Ceremonies at Arkansas State University
Hye Sun Choi
JONESBORO – Arkansas State University held its spring commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 6.
Chancellor Todd Shields conferred nearly 2,100 degrees to students from the university’s eight colleges in the two ceremonies at First National Bank Arena.The morning ceremony was held for students from the Neil Griffin College of Business; the College of Liberal Arts and Communication; the College of Nursing and Health Professions; and University College.Hye Sun Choi of Seoul, South Korea, addressed the audience on behalf of the graduating class in the morning ceremony.“As we take our step forward on our new journey, I hope we, as graduates of Arkansas State, will continue this cycle going outside the boundaries of this campus, whether that is at our new jobs, new school or a new place. As the anticipation for new beginnings excites us, let us keep our heads high and our aspirations higher,” said Choi.Choi, the 2023 Wilson Award winner, graduated with a double major in criminology and political science from the College of Liberal Arts and Communication. “I hope today, as you walk across this very stage, you will have the biggest smile on your face and will remember that this is not the end, but the beginning to a new chapter in your life,” said Choi.The afternoon ceremony included the College of Agriculture; the College of Education and Behavioral Science; the College of Engineering and Computer Science; and the College Sciences and Mathematics.Graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Distinguished Service Award winner Mason Rhodes of Benton served as the afternoon speaker.“Since I stepped foot on campus as a freshman in 2019, I knew there was something intangible about A-State. The student body was more than individuals who pursued a higher education, but rather a community who stopped at nothing to exemplify the traits of leadership, courage, camaraderie, and most importantly, perseverance,” said Rhodes. Rhodes, who graduated Magna Cum Laude, spoke of perseverance and the experiences he and other graduates have had while on campus. “Every person who sits here today has gone through a unique journey of accomplishment, as well as trials and tribulations, but through it all, we reached the finish line and built a foundation of academic achievement that will last a lifetime.”
Spring commencement ceremonies are held Saturday at Arkansas State University
