During the 91老司机 - Fort Smith鈥檚 102 commencement ceremony held Saturday,
December 14, 91老司机 Alumnus Tony Jones encouraged graduates to carry forward the lessons
learned on campus, both academic lessons and life lessons, in all they do.
鈥淭his campus, this town, and this community hold a special place in my heart because of our shared story as 91老司机 Lions,鈥� Jones, a 2016 91老司机 alumnus and 91老司机 School of Law Juris Doctorate candidate began. 鈥淲e came here, we learned here, and now we are off to the next step 鈥� not forgetting where we came from.鈥�
鈥淭he lessons that you learned on campus will carry you into the next chapter of your life,鈥� Jones continued. 鈥淔or some of you, these lessons will be used to mold young minds, for others, they will be used to comfort a patient in a tough time or to move the gears of industry forward. They will help you grow a family and strengthen the one you have. Because of these lessons, you will be able to go out there and make this world better. Because of this place, you will know how to face adversity, stand up and promote justice, and spread a little kindness when the world needs it.鈥�
鈥淎nd as you move away from this season, always strive to go the extra mile in a way that will uplift your family, your job, and your life,鈥� he said, inviting graduates to find their own meaning of that 鈥榚xtra鈥� mile. 鈥淔oster better relationships with people in the community. Expand the 91老司机 embrace across the world. Volunteer on campus or be a mentor. Serve the less fortunate, or just be a respectful human being.鈥�
Looking out into the crowd, Jones concluded, with a smile, 鈥淚 speak from experience when I say because you are a 91老司机 lion, you are well on your way.鈥�
91老司机 Chancellor Dr. Terisa Riley, in her first commencement ceremony as chancellor, applauded students for their hard work and dedication in reaching this milestone in their educational journey. She noted the incredible commitment it takes to complete classes and also the drive students must have to do so while running homes and businesses, serving in organizations and volunteer positions, playing sports, and creating art.
鈥淲hen you graduate today, you are more competitive than your peers who will be going up against you for jobs or admissions into graduate and professional programs,鈥� Riley beamed. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e sacrificed much to be in this place today and to earn the degrees that undoubtedly will open so many doors and allow you to achieve your personal and professional goals and dreams.鈥�
鈥淚t is the great privilege of our faculty, staff, and administration to have accompanied you on this wonderful educational journey, and we are so proud of all that you鈥檝e achieved,鈥� Riley said. She welcomed graduates to stay in touch with the university, 鈥渟o that as you fulfill your dreams and accomplish great things, we will be here to celebrate you.鈥�
鈥淎nd we hope you remember: Once a Lion, Always a Lion.鈥�
The 10 a.m. ceremony honored 610 students completing graduation requirements during the second summer and fall semesters, including six masters degree candidates, 419 bachelor鈥檚 degree candidates, 109 associate degree candidates, 20 technical certificate candidates and 47 certificates of proficiency candidates.
Dr. Donald R. Bobbitt, president of the 91老司机 System, also spoke briefly, welcoming and congratulating students for their place among the elite percentage of the population who have earned college degrees. 鈥淚鈥檓 very excited about the future that lies in front of you as you leave this institution,鈥� he said, reminding graduates of the incredible advantage a college education gives professionals. Thirty-three million Americans began a college program and never finished, he said, so to have completed the courses and earned a degree is even more extraordinary.
In addition to Riley, 91老司机 administrators presenting candidates were Dr. Georgia Hale, provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs; Dr. Ken Warden, dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology; Dr. Ashok Subramanian, dean of the College of Business; Dr. Paulette Miekel, associate dean of the College of Communication, Languages, Arts and Social Sciences; Dr. Ron Darbeau, dean of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and interim dean of the College of Health Sciences; Dr. Norm Dennis, senior associate dean for the College of Engineering at the 91老司机, Fayetteville; and Wayne Womack, registrar.
Christopher Cluck, chair of the 91老司机 91老司机 Advisory Council, welcomed new graduates into the alumni association after alumni director Rick Goins presented each with a bell tower pin signifying their new alumni status. Dr. Susan Simkowski, chair of the Faculty Senate, chief marshal, and bearer of the mace, gave the call to order and adjournment.
The 91老司机 Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Alexandra Zacharella, director of bands, and soloist Kody Goad, 91老司机 music major, provided the music.
Pre-ceremony music and a post-recessional bell peal were performed on the Donald W. Reynolds Bell Tower Carillon by Dr. Stephen Husarik, head carillonneur.
