SIU President Dunn Makes First Commencement Remarks at SIUE

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe oversaw the first of four 2014 Spring Commencement exercises on Friday night in the Vadalabene Center on campus. The festivities began with the Graduate School, School of Business and School of Nursing students receiving their degrees. The remainder of the 2,231 eligible graduates will receiver their degrees during three ceremonies Saturday.

Newly installed SIU President Dr. Randy Dunn participated in his first commencement ceremonies by speaking at the Friday night exercise. “My hope for all of you is to use all that you have gained at SIUE to change and improve the lives of all whom you encounter for the rest of your life,” he said. “Transform others for the better just as SIUE has transformed you.”

Furst-Bowe provided the assemblage with a quote from highly successful businessman and philanthropist W. Clement Stone. He said, “There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.”

“Whether you’re a student, a parent, a leader, a community resident … whatever your role, your attitude will determine the tone of your life and achievements,” Furst-Bowe said. “Set your sights high, work to maintain a healthy focus on what’s true and positive, and you’ll find that success comes to you.”

Alton attorney and philanthropist John Simmons was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Simmons, who graduated with honors from SIUE in political science, earned a Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University School of Law in Dallas. He is founder and chairman of Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides & Barnerd LLC, a national law firm headquartered in Alton, with additional offices in St. Louis, Chicago, San Francisco and El Segundo, Calif.

With an entertaining presentation that described his rise from originally being rejected as an SIUE student to rising to chairman of the SIU Board of Trustees 20 years later, Simmons provided a road map for success.

“Be grateful and support someone who helped you get here,” said Simmons, as he credited former SIUE Chancellor Dr. David Werner for the foundation of his remarks. “Help others by sharing your knowledge and experience. Be ethical, because one falsehood spoils a thousand truths. Never give up as you maintain your conviction to honor and good sense.”

Dixie Engelman, dean emerita of the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences and associate professor emerita of speech pathology and audiology, is being honored with the University’s Distinguished Service Award. Engelman has been a community advocate and volunteer for more than 35 years. Engelman will speak to the Saturday afternoon and evening sessions.

Dr. Kelly Gable, associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice in the School of Pharmacy, will receive the 2014 Teaching Excellence Award. Gable was recognized for her enthusiastic approach and for serving as a role model for pharmacy students, nursing students and medical students.

Peter Gillen, who is earning a bachelor’s in nursing, was the student speaker for Friday’s session.

“In these few short years, we have never stopped learning and we never will stop learning,” said Gillen. “There is always something more you can learn whether it be from a fellow nurse, physician, patient or maybe even a nursing student.

“It is quite incredible to think of how much we have achieved in our time here. Let us not stop here, though. We should continue to strive to be the best in our field, no matter what the future holds for us.”

Ceremonies resume at 9 a.m. Saturday with the Graduate School and School of Education. The morning student speaker is James Engracia, who is receiving a bachelor’s in speech language pathology from the School of Education.

The Saturday afternoon ceremony begins at 1 p.m. with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) followed at 5 p.m. by the School of Pharmacy, College of Arts and Science graduate students and the School of Engineering.

The student speakers will be Victoria Francis, who is earning a bachelor’s in chemistry, during the afternoon session and Jonathan Long, who is receiving a master’s in sociology, closing the day.

Photo:  SIU President Randy Dunn (left)  greets an SIUE graduate with SIUE Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe (right).