Fallin challenges OSU graduates to serve others

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin encouraged Oklahoma State University graduates to explore the unlimited opportunities before them and challenged grads to serve others during commencement remarks Saturday morning at Gallagher-Iba Arena.

"In keeping with the OSU land-grant mission, I ask you to find ways to serve your state," Fallin said.  "There is no limit to what you can accomplish.  I challenge you to be bold, take risks and serve others.  Your degree is the greatest thing you can obtain.  Knowledge is more valuable than gold."

 Saturday morning's ceremony was one of five Friday and Saturday in which OSU awarded an estimated 3,000 undergraduate and graduate degrees.  Fallin spoke at the first of three undergraduate ceremonies Saturday and Oklahoma Lt. Governor Todd Lamb spoke at the other two. The OSU Center for Veterinary Health Science held a hooding ceremony Saturday evening.  Master’s and doctoral degree ceremonies were held Friday evening.  

 In addition to honoring its graduates, OSU awarded honorary doctorates Saturday to Gebisa Ejeta, a professor of plant breeding and genetics; C. Hubert Gragg, oilman and unofficial adviser to Henry Bellmon; and Morten Johannes Lauridsen, composer and choral master.  The three became the 19^th, 20^th and 21^st recipients of honorary doctorates at OSU.

“The success of these individuals in their respective fields is a testament to their skills, leadership and service to society,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. “They exemplify those who have dedicated their lives to improving the world for others, and we are pleased to award them honorary doctorates as the ultimate sign of our appreciation.”

Dr. Ejeta, who was the recipient of the World Food Prize in 2009, received an honorary doctor of science degree;   Gragg, who has made significant contributions to support study abroad and research-intensive internships at OSU, received an honorary doctor of humane letters degree; and Lauridsen, who has received the National Medal of Arts, received an honorary doctor of fine arts degree.

The university estimates 60 percent of its graduates choose to stay in Oklahoma to work and live.  Just another example of how OSU and its graduates continue the land-grant mission of outreach by sharing their higher education with communities throughout Oklahoma.

Today’s graduates join more than 235,000 OSU alumni, including world, national and state leaders; renowned business leaders, educators, health and wellness practitioners, entertainers, and sports figures. 

Pictures from Spring 2011 Commencement are available here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ostatenews/sets/72157626668846986/.