Graduation Reflects Lots of Outstanding Work by Many

Graduation represents what Columbus State is all about, and our 106th commencement on Monday was no exception. It’s also rewarding to get good reviews for a ceremony that, by its nature, must exceed two hours.

One local VIP noted Monday’s graduation was his first at CSU. He and others enjoyed stories of a few graduates we shared – from one older student who got help from our faculty returning to college after a disastrous academic start years earlier, finally realizing his dream of following in his parents’ footsteps as a teacher, to the biology major who won national recognition for her research in Alaska, helping her earn a full ride assistantship for a University of Hawaii Ph.D. program.

“The program was outstanding, and we enjoyed every moment,” the VIP wrote in an email. “The personal stories done at the beginning of the program added a personal touch to the graduation experience. We are so proud of you and your fine institution. Kudos on a job well done!”

Another email, from a parent, mentioned music provided by CSU’s Trumpet Ensemble and our graduation speaker, Dink NeSmith, chair of our state Board of Regents.

”I just wanted to take a brief moment to tell you how much my husband and I enjoyed the ceremony last evening,” the parent wrote. “The speaker was delightful and `right on’ with his remarks, the music was wonderful, and the faculty comments were brief and appropriate. My husband and I especially enjoyed your `spotlight' section on selected students. Thank you for your commitment to excellence in education and for ensuring my daughter gets a great education. She is starting grad school next week, and I look forward to her next graduation at CSU, when she earns her master’s degree.”

Another writer summed up his thoughts succinctly as a graduate student’s parent, supporter and volunteer: “You were on your `A’ game last night. Great job and thanks for your leadership!!!”

We appreciate those kind words, but I have to share credit for commencement –- from faculty who plan the ceremony to behind-the-scenes logistics staff handling audio, video and other technical details. We had one person on our staff who spent Monday morning setting up chairs for the students awarded more than 960 degrees. On Monday night, that staffer was able to fill a couple of those chairs as she got her associate’s degree and her son got his bachelor’s degree. Now she’s got her sights set on a bachelor’s degree, too.

My thanks go to everyone at Columbus State and beyond who makes such happy endings possible.