Delta State University awarded 493 degrees to students during Spring Commencement exercises held Saturday, May 7, inside Walter Sillers Coliseum on the campus.
On the day, 16 educational specialist degrees were conferred, while 151 master’s degrees and 326 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, Ed Blakeslee, vice president of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees.
Blakeslee echoed Hilpert’s congratulations and assured the graduates that each and every one is both unique and great. He encouraged the graduates to have the greatest confidence in themselves and their abilities. “You need to know and believe that you are great,” said Blakeslee. “You are the person you spend the most time with. Be confident and have respect for yourself, and you always be with someone you believe in.”
He encouraged the graduates to be fully aware of their blessings and to take advantage of the opportunities they provide. “We are all blessed,” Blakeslee said. “We have family and friends to help us, and great teachers to educate and inspire us. We are blessed to live in the greatest country in the world. We are blessed to have graduated from an outstanding public university. We have an obligation to take advantage of these blessings and to do our best to reach our highest potential.”
Blakeslee encouraged the graduates to be givers, stating, “When we look back on our lives, how much money we make doesn’t count, job titles don’t count. What really matters is making your life one long gift to others – to your family, to your community, and to your country. As we help others, we can’t help but help ourselves.”
In closing, Blakeslee left the graduates with a challenging question. “Graduates, you are great, you are unique, you are blessed, you will make mistakes and learn from them, and you have a responsibility to give back. What will your legacy be? “
