OSU recognizes graduates at commencement ceremonies

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Oklahoma State University alumnus and successful industry executive Donald D. Humphreys encouraged OSU graduates to live a full life and offered three goals for successful careers during the university's two undergraduate commencement ceremonies Saturday at Gallagher-Iba Arena. The OSU Graduate College held its commencement Friday night. Nearly 1,800 graduates were recognized during the Friday and Saturday ceremonies.

"Today is the anniversary of the Wright brothers first flight (in 1903) and today you take flight," said Humphreys, senior vice president and principal financial officer for the ExxonMobil Corporation. "OSU provided me a great foundation for my career and you will look back the same way."

To live a full life, Humphreys told the graduates to not be captive to technology, enjoy the outdoors and physical activity, and slow down and take time for the things that matter most in life.

Humphreys challenged the graduates to follow three values as they embark on the next stage of their lives. "Be ethical; integrity is the bedrock of social stability. Be courageous, be daring, take chances; be willing to go for it. Finally, be generous; give back to your community and to the university that has given you so much," he said.

OSU President Burns Hargis, OSU/A&M Board of Regents Chair Jay Helm and Graduate College Dean Sheryl Tucker presented Humphreys with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the ceremony. Humphreys, a native of Tulsa, earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering and management from OSU in 1971.