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| Dr. Bettye Neely, president of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees delivers the keynote address at Delta State’s 83rd commencement |
Delta State University awarded 418 degrees to students during Spring Commencement exercises held Saturday, May 8, inside Walter Sillers Coliseum on the campus.
On the day, one doctoral degree and six educational specialist degrees were conferred, while 95 master’s degrees and 316 bachelor’s degrees were awarded through the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education and the School of Nursing.
Delta State President, Dr. John M. Hilpert, opened the morning ceremony, congratulating the graduates and applauding the efforts of family, faculty, and friends that helped them reach this milestone achievement.
Following his welcome, Hilpert introduced the ceremony’s keynote speaker, Dr. Bettye Neely, who began her first day of service as president of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees.
Neely echoed Hilpert’s congratulations and encouraged graduates that, just as she is beginning a new phase of her professional career, they are beginning a new, exciting phase of their personal and professional lives.
“This diploma, this precious commodity, is only the beginning of a lifetime of personal successes, and Delta State has given you all the tools you need,” said Neely. “Soon there will be first-job offers, promotions, dreams realized – all because you made the commitment, the investment, to come here to this university in search of experience and knowledge.”
Neely encouraged graduates to use their knowledge and training in service to others. “Today can be the day that you begin to apply all that you have been taught here at Delta State to the world around you in order to make it a better place for those who come after you,” said Neely. “I can tell you with some experience that what counts in this life is not what we do for ourselves; it is what we do for others. I have no doubt that, beyond preparing you for your eventual career, this is something that was imparted to you while you were here at this institution.”
Encouraging graduates to give back to their communities, Neely congratulated Bryce Griffis for being conferred with an honorary doctorate in recognition of his years of service to education and business in Mississippi.
“Griffis used his capital as a self-made businessman to become one of the state’s leading advocates for higher education,” said Neely. “The first four years of my term, I had the honor and privilege of serving with Mr. Griffis. I only hope that when my 12 years end, I will have accomplished as much as him.”
Neely expressed her pride that Delta State will host a Teach For America training institute this summer. “When TFA opens its training institute here in June, it will bring another critical component to our fantastic teaching program at this university – TFA reminds us of the unbelievable, wonderful things that can happen in our communities when we focus on service, civic-engagement and giving back,” she said.
In closing, Neely challenged, “Class of 2010, do not forget the needs in this beautiful, unique region. You are young, spirited and ready to tackle anything. You have the solutions; stay in Mississippi and share them with us. Give back to your community, your university, who has given so much for you. Make Mississippi a better place for those who will come after you.”
