Thousands pack Civic Center for another extraordinary commencement

Our 102nd commencement was extraordinary. Besides bestowing an honorary degree on retired Col. Hal Gibson, one of the nation's truly great band conductors and educators, who made an indelible impact on CSU, we heard sage insights and advice from Regent Kessel Stelling, president and CEO of Synovus.

The Columbus Civic Center was packed, and thousands celebrated Columbus State University graduates and faculty in a most fitting manner. How wonderful that our university offers a range of degree programs, associate's to doctoral degree, recognizing the needs of the region and providing points of entry for students coming from such varied backgrounds.

Col. Gibson, for some 17 years after his distinguished retirement from the U.S. Army, helped shape what is today our world-class Schwob School of Music. Joined by his wonderful wife, Marie, he was greeted by throngs in Columbus who have such a special appreciation for his legacy impact on our university. Regent Stelling, a long-term friend, now leads one of the nation's largest financial institutions, which has made an  incredible impact on CSU and its five-state footprint. He delivered thoughtful and insightful messages to our graduates, who thanked him profusely as they crossed the stage at commencement.

We now, take a deep breath and prepare to launch Maymester, a variety of summer abroad experiences and undergraduate and graduate courses in dozens of discplines. This is the work of a committed university populated by devoted faculty intent on making a difference.