OSU-OKC graduates a record number

Thursday, May 22, 2014

 

More than 1,000 particpate in OSU-OKC graduation

OSU-Oklahoma City graduated a record 1,086 students from its fall, spring and summer semesters during the university’s recent 2014 Commencement, the highest number of graduates in its 51 years of history. The ceremony included bachelor and associate degrees as well as certificates.

“We are so proud of our students and their accomplishments,” said Natalie Shirley, OSU-OKC President. “We could not be where we are without the outstanding work of our faculty and staff who educate, support and encourage the students along the way.”

In addition to degrees and certificates, OSU-OKC graduated 112 Phi Theta Kappa members and nine Honors Program students. More than 60 students were recognized for their Service Learning hours. The university also graduated 30 Start Helping Impacted Neighborhoods Everywhere (SHINE) award recipients, the largest number receiving the award since the program’s conception through the Oklahoma County Commissioner’s office. SHINE is a comprehensive initiative to clean up District 2 and rewards students who donate their time back to the community.  

Students know that finishing their degree at OSU-OKC will help advance their future. “I feel as though the knowledge and degree I have is freeing,” said Tiffany Sizemore, Interpreter Training graduate. “I don’t feel stuck. My opportunities are endless now that I have a skill and education I can use forever.”

Enterprise Development graduate Mario Young felt as though receiving his degree was more about the journey, rather than the destination. “To be an OSU alumnus is a feeling I can’t begin to describe,” he said. “It would not have been possible without my family at home, as well as the OSU family.”