Commencement Videos – 9 a.m.– 1 p.m.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe oversaw the 2014 Fall Commencement exercises today as 1,159 eligible graduates received their degrees at the Vadalabene Center on campus.
Furst-Bowe focused on SIUE’s commitment to diversity and inclusion during her remarks. She quoted acclaimed poet and author Maya Angelou, “We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.”
“As Ms. Angelou knew, and as we at SIUE have worked to impart, inclusion and citizenship require commitment,” Furst-Bowe stated. “Inclusion and citizenship are a responsibility. Inclusion and citizenship are indicative of a strong and healthy community.”
Furst-Bowe closed by calling upon the words of South African social rights activist Desmond Tutu, “Do your little bit of good where you are: it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
Dr. Kelly Gable, associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice in the School of Pharmacy. As SIUE’s 2014 Teaching Excellence Award winner, she provided the commencement address for the morning ceremony for the Graduate School, and the Schools of Business, Nursing, and Education, Health and Human Behavior.
Gable dispensed some simple life lessons and challenged the graduates to never give up making the world a better place. “Things get done in this world by people who care, who try and who give it their best,” she said. “At times, you will spend more time at work then you do at home.
“Love what you do, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life. Be passionate about what you do. If it makes you happy to help people, do it. If it doesn’t, do it anyway. Life is short and full of many gifts. Being kind, compassionate and caring is the best gift you can give.”
The morning student speaker was non-traditional student Shanda Nygard, a native of Fairview Heights, who earned a master’s in education in instructional technology.
Nygard recognized that her SIUE experience changed her outlook on life, “Because of my experiences at SIUE, I grew as a person and a critical thinker. I now see opportunities in life and not just the obstacles I have to overcome. My professors pushed me mentally until I didn’t think I had anything left to give, and then turned right around and asked for some more.
“No matter what road you choose, SIUE has given you the tools to be successful. Let’s continue to be lifelong learners, think innovatively and push ourselves outside our comfort zones. The knowledge we have gained during our time spent here is not the end, but the beginning to so much more. We all have the potential to change the world we live in. We simply have to strive for greatness and never accept or be just good enough.”
Dr. Eric “Duff” Wrobbel, associate professor in the department of speech communication, provided the commencement address for the afternoon session to the Graduate School, College of Arts and Sciences and School of Engineering. The SIUE Alumni Association selected Wrobbel as its 2014 Great Teacher Award winner.
Wrobbel discussed how his classroom wasn’t necessarily entertaining, but was certainly educational, “Being entertained is great, but it leaves no lasting value. Being educated is important, and you know this because it sticks with you.
“Things you learn today will still be there to help you tomorrow, and a week from tomorrow and 10 years from tomorrow. And no, it’s not always fun, but it isn’t about what’s fun, it’s about what’s important.”
The student speaker for the afternoon ceremony was Matthew Stoecklin, an Edwardsville native, who is earning a bachelor’s in English literature from the College of Arts and Sciences. He graduated summa cum laude with a cumulative grade point average of 4.0.
Stoecklin described his “remarkable personal metamorphosis” that SIUE helped him to undergo, “I no longer feel as if my thoughts lack value, and I now possess the courage to express these thoughts, the same courage which allows me to speak before you all today.
“Your voices, your ability to share your perspectives on the world, are precious things. Cherish them, and do not let anyone attempt to silence them. As Charlie Chaplin said at the end of The Great Dictator, ‘You have the power to make this life a wonderful adventure. And it is never too late to start.’”
Photo: (upper right) Dr. Kelly Gable, associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice in the SIUE School of Pharmacy, addresses the 2014 fall commencement morning ceremony.
(middle left): Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Parviz Ansari (middle) and Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe shake the hands of graduates at the fall 2014 commencement ceremony.