Reid urges grads to give back at undergrad ceremony
By Sarah Licausi
Commencement at a Glance:
- Advanced degree graduates and great contributors honored
- University awards Herz medal to Reed High School grad
- School of Medicine holds academic hooding ceremony
- University gives honorary degree to 'Unsinkable' Debbie Reynolds
- New dual masters program presents its first three graduates
- ROTC cadets’ goal of Army career becomes a reality
- Honor the Best awards
- Insert Epilogue Here
More than 1,300 graduates walked the commencement stage under a picture-perfect sky Saturday May 19 during the University’s 117 Baccalaureate ceremony. In addition the conferring of degrees, the students were congratulated by words from U.S. Senator and Majority Leader Harry Reid.
University President Milt Glick opened the ceremony with words of inspiration to the graduates.
“This is a day that our faculty and our students live for,” Glick said.
Glick first recognized the parents, family, faculty, staff and elementary and secondary schoolteachers who were all essential to the success of the graduates. He continued by reminding graduates that they will always be a part of the University.
“Let us make out institution a destination of choice for higher learning,” Glick said. “You will always be welcome here -- this will always be your home.”
Bret Whipple, chair of the Nevada System of Higher Education’s Board of Regents, followed Glick and reminded graduates that today is simply a milestone in a lifelong journey of education.
“Your education does not stop here,” Whipple said. “The world is counting on you to be the best and prepare for future generations.”
Reid’s remarks followed, with the senator speaking of his upbringing in the small mining town of Searchlight, Nev., and his journey to becoming the majority leader of the U.S. Senate. He reminded graduates that their opportunities are endless and stressed the importance of public service.
“The chance to give back is around us every day.” Reid said. “All you have to do is embrace it. Your obligations are just as great as your opportunities.”
After Glick and Provost John Frederick conferred the degrees of 1,315 University graduates, the 2006-07 ASUN president, Jeff Champagne, gave the student farewell.
He reminded parents and family members that today is a day of celebration. He also asked them to avoid asking a dreaded question.
“So what are you going to do now?” Champagne said. “Please don’t ask this terrible question on such a wonderful day.
“The only thing on our minds is throwing our hats in the air, going back to your house and accepting many, many presents.”
Champagne closed by reminding his fellow graduates that everyone is anxious to see them succeed.
“Get involved with something you love, something that brings out your brilliance,” Champagne said.