In an era defined by rapid technological changes, Joe Eastin inspired Oklahoma State University graduates to adapt and press forward as they embark on their career paths.

Eastin, a 1992 business administration graduate, was the keynote speaker for OSU’s spring 2026 commencement, which celebrated the more than 4,500 graduates who earned their degrees on Friday and Saturday.

The cofounder of ISN Software Corporation, a Dallas-based company that serves clients worldwide, Eastin encouraged graduates by speaking about his own journey into the unknown, as well as the famed expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.

“Lewis and Clark didn’t know exactly where they were going or what obstacles they might face, but they pressed forward with courage, curiosity and determination,” Eastin said. “Your path won’t be perfectly defined, either. That’s normal. Don’t wait until everything feels certain to take a step. Growth happens when you are willing to explore, willing to adjust and keep moving, even when the destination isn’t clear.”

Eastin discussed how his career exploration took him from the small northeastern Oklahoma town of Adair to Stillwater, Dallas and now as CEO of ISN. Eastin said his first classes at OSU were larger than his entire school in Adair, with a population of 732.

His success was based on proving value to employers, Eastin said. He continued to say that drive will be even more important in the changing work landscape as artificial intelligence has revolutionized the world.

“Take initiative, be dependable, look for ways to add value beyond what is required in your career,” said Eastin, who also received a Master of Business Administration at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management in 2015.

“… Graduates are leaving Oklahoma State prepared, capable and ready for what's ahead. The world needs your energy. It needs your ideas, and it needs your leadership. I wish you courage when the path feels uncertain.”

OSU President Jim Hess presided over the university’s 152nd commencement in Stillwater and was joined at the lectern by Eastin; Rick Walker, OSU/A&M Board of Regents chairman; Dr. Stephen Perkins, Faculty Council chair; and Riley Hurlbut, Student Government Association president.

OSU Registrar Rita Peaster kicked off the event. Dr. Hess provided opening remarks following the OSU Pipe and Drum band’s processional before introducing Walker, a banker from Lawton, Oklahoma, and OSU alumnus.

“We join your parents, families and friends in looking forward to the excitement that your future holds. You have already shown resilience and determination by reaching this milestone,” Walker said. “Given the challenges the world has placed before you, we have no doubt you will continue to accomplish greater things. Today is not the end of your journey; it is only the beginning. Dream big dreams and pursue them boldly.”

Perkins, an associate professor in the Department of Sociology, first congratulated the mothers in the audience inside Gallagher-Iba Arena. Like Eastin, Perkins also discussed the challenges graduates will face entering the workforce, but said earning their college degree was the first step toward finding gainful employment. Quoting a study from the World Economic Forum, Perkins said employers expect 44% of workers' skills to change by 2030, with human-centered skills like critical thinking, serving as the primary advocate sought by employers in an AI economy.

“So, as each of you moves forward, we urge you to continue the analytical and critical thinking skills learned at Oklahoma State to meet your professional challenges ahead,” Perkins said.

Hurlbut, a master’s student who earned his undergraduate degree from the College of Arts and Sciences in 2025, implored the new graduates to represent OSU well and look back on their college career fondly.

Members of the OSU Opportunity Orange Scholars program for students with intellectual disabilities received their degrees first, followed by the Orange Gown graduates of each college.

After turning their tassels on their caps, graduates looked toward their futures,

Gabrielle Schwane, an aviation management graduate from York, Pennsylvania, said she will start her career this summer as an intern at the Stillwater Regional Airport.

Schwane said she has learned a lot in Stillwater, from first being unfamiliar with tornadoes as an out-of-state freshman living in Wentz Hall to now embarking on her career.

“It feels amazing,” Schwane said. “I'm really looking forward to what the next year holds for me and for the years following after that.”

Blake Bush, an elementary education graduate from Shawnee, Oklahoma, will be starting the fall as a fourth-grade teacher at East Elementary in Jenks, Oklahoma. Bush worked for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation to pay for his education.

“It's been a complicated four years. I worked the whole time and put myself through so it's been tough,” Bush said. “Scheduling is hard. I had no personal life, so now I'm just excited to have my degree and focus on getting my career going. It's going to be exciting.”

The OSU System’s spring commencement ceremonies were held at each college across its system campuses.

For OSU-Stillwater, the College of Veterinary Medicine, Graduate College, Ferguson College of Agriculture and College of Professional Studies had their commencement ceremonies on Friday. The College of Education and Human Sciences, the Spears School of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology held their commencement ceremonies on Saturday.

OSU-Oklahoma City’s commencement ceremonies were held Friday night at the State Fairgrounds. OSU Institute of Technology held its commencement ceremonies on April 17 in Okmulgee. OSU Center for Health Sciences held its commencement ceremony on Saturday in Tulsa. OSU-Tulsa will hold its ceremony on Monday at Union High School.

Commencement ceremony videos are available on the OSU YouTube channel.

OSU 152nd Commencement Celebrating the Class of 2026

Story By: Jordan Bishop | jordan.bishop@okstate.edu