CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University held its Fall 2023 Commencement ceremonies at the Bologna Performing Arts Center on December 8 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. DSU celebrated 149 conferred degrees from the Summer ’23 semester, with 37 bachelor’s degrees, 86 master’s degrees, and 26 educational specialist degrees. Fall 2023 included 308 candidates for degrees, subject to completion of all requirements as certified by the Registrar’s Office, with a total of 180 bachelor’s degrees, 87 master’s degrees, 26 educational specialist degrees, and 15 doctoral degrees.
The ceremonies began with performance of the National Anthem by Cel Waters, soprano, Bachelor of Music graduate. Delta State President Dr. Dan Ennis welcomed the graduates and their guests, saying, “We honor you for achieving academic success that few accomplish. You’ve reached a milestone, and we are very pleased to recognize your accomplishments.”
Interim Provost Dr. Leslie Griffin introduced the speaker, Dr. Jung-Won Shin, Professor of Music and Coordinator of the Piano Preparatory Program in the DSU Department of Music. She is the 2023 winner of the S. E. Kossman Outstanding Faculty Award, which is the highest distinction a faculty member can be accorded at Delta State. It is a tradition at DSU for the Kossman winner to address the Fall commencement. Shin is also the president of the Mississippi Music Teachers Association and has performed in venues around the world.
Shin implored the graduates to show courage and perseverance. “In life, we sometimes fail, even when we do our best. However, after you do all your best in something, you will see your growth and strength that will enable you to move forward to the next step of your life.”
She spoke also about her heritage as a Korean immigrant, and of the need to embrace common values and implement them in daily life. “I hope that we all will focus more on how we coexist and enrich our lives and the society together. Congratulations, and all of the best luck to you.”
Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Trustee Powell “Gee” Ogletree, Jr. then authorized the conferring of the degrees. Once the graduates had returned to their seats, Ennis congratulated them again, and introduced George Miller, Jr., President of the Delta State National Alumni Association.
Miller said, “We believe that the Delta State experience is a life-long one. Once, again, congratulations on what you have accomplished today.”
Ennis closed by saying, “I urge you to view your college education as a trust that commits you to a lifetime of learning and service. Thank you for being a part of this university and know that we will always welcome you back with open arms.”
To view a live stream of the events, visit https://livestream.com/deltastateuniversity.
