Record Number Graduates Receive Diplomas at Summer Commencement
JONESBORO – A record 1,096 graduates received degrees at the Arkansas State University 2017 summer commencement ceremony Friday evening at the Convocation Center.
Dr. Lynita Cooksey, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, conferred degrees upon students from the Colleges of Agriculture, Engineering and Technology; Business; Education and Behavioral Science; Liberal Arts and Communication; Nursing and Health Professions; and Sciences and Mathematics.
“Commencement is always an exciting time at Arkansas State,” Dr. Cooksey told those in attendance. “Many of you are the first in your family to earn a college degree. You may have overcome obstacles, several jobs and studies, cared for family, as well as handled other responsibilities to get where you are tonight. You are to be commended for your success.”
A-State’s new chancellor, Dr. Kelly Damphousse, was out of town and unable to attend due to a calendar conflict, but sent a special video message to the graduates, saying, “Your professors have been teaching you not just what to learn, but how to learn. And, that’s the secret of life—to always keep learning. What you’re living today will be much different than what you’re living tomorrow, so always keep learning.”
Graduating summa cum laude, Taylor Maggio of Maryville, Ill., who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics, addressed the gathering on behalf of the graduating class. Dr. Evelyn Taylor, assistant professor of social work and the 2017 winner of the faculty award for excellence in training, spoke on behalf of the faculty.
