Published: May 04, 2008 12:30 am            

Henry tells graduates to dream big

Saturday was a day to remember for the 2,700 graduates of Oklahoma State University — and their parents.

Gallagher-Iba Arena was packed, with standing room only for onlookers, while additional seats were needed for the 10 a.m. graduation as well.

Once everyone found a place to sit (or at least watch), Burns Hargis welcomed everyone for his first graduation as the OSU president.

“I’m afraid we’re so full, a lot of people won’t be able to sit down,” Hargis said, jokingly adding that people could find a lap to sit on if they wanted.

After introducing the distinguished members of the ceremony, Gov. Brad Henry gave his commencement speech to the College of Agricultural Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, and College of Education graduates. Henry spoke of the technological advances that have occurred over the years, and the possibilities ahead of the graduates in the future.

“Our world is changing at a rapid, breakneck speed,” said Henry. “For all the astonishing changes humanity has witnessed over the last 20 years, even 10 years, experts tell us that technological advances will only accelerate.”

Now with degrees, the graduates were encouraged to apply the education they have already received to their lives, but to not ever stop learning.

“You are certainly better equipped now to navigate the rapid currents of our time than before entering this university,” Henry said. “And, if your educational experience here has been successful, one of the principal things you’ve learned is that there is much that you don’t know and are now aching to discover.”

Henry encouraged the graduates to dream big and don’t settle for anything less than achieving their goals. Everybody fails, he said, so keep experimenting and researching until you find the result you are looking for, which will result in great things for all of humanity.

“Having every question answered is not nearly as important or rewarding as is the effort to find the answers,” Henry said.

“We must not allow ourselves to be distracted or discouraged in that pursuit. The quest for knowledge, mastering technology for greater purposes, exploring our world, developing and sustaining relationships — these are vital, meaningful goals.”

After Henry’s speech, some outstanding graduates were recognized by Hargis. Among those graduates was Christy Millikens of Edmond.

A Fulbright Scholar, Millikens spent her summers studying abroad and teaching English in countries overseas. Next year, Millikens will travel Indonesia through Fulbright.

A roar from the crowd came when Hargis mentioned two graduates who displayed great courage and commitment by serving in the Iraq War. Brandon Duncan from Chandler and Raymond Henry from Enid received their degrees on Saturday.

The 10 a.m. ceremony ended after each student had his or her name called and walked across the stage. GIA emptied, for a little while, until the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology, College of Human Environmental Sciences, Spears School of Business, and College of Veterinary Medicine graduates took center stage at 2 p.m.

They heard from Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, who was the commencement speaker.

        

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