Mississippi University for Women graduates were urged to take care of their university just as it has taken care of them for four years.
The message was delivered today by Dr. Hank M. Bounds, commissioner of higher education, who told them that it was their turn to become caretakers.
“The university needs your support. It needs you to be an advocate with our elected officials. It needs you to be a champion in recruiting future students.”
“It needs you to believe and celebrate that, with whatever changes may be ahead, it remains at its core a university that builds upon its long tradition of excellence in liberal arts and professional education and will continue to be a university that prepares both men and women for successful lives by providing a high-quality education in a personalized learning environment,” he said.
Bounds added that today marked the attainment of one of the most important goals of their lives, noting that many of their future goals depend on reaching this one.
“From pursuing graduate degrees to getting the job of your dreams, the degree you receive today will make those dreams possible.”
He pointed out that only about one in five Mississippians has reached the milestone of earning a bachelor”s degree or higher. Less than one in three Americans has earned a bachelor”s degree or higher and only 10 percent of the population has earned an advanced degree.
“You will be pleased to know that your median earnings are much higher with a bachelor”s degree. The median income for workers who hold a bachelor”s degree is almost $47,000, compared to less than $20,000 for a high school dropout, about $27,000 for a high school graduate and $33,000 for those with some college but no degree.
“Just think, when you walk across the stage, you”ll get a $14,000 raise. I”m sure all the parents who have invested so much in your education will be gratified to hear that.”
He also had a specific message for the education majors. “I hope that you have already found a job to begin teaching in Mississippi in the fall. We need good teachers. No other profession will influence the next generation as teachers will. No other profession will shape the future of our state as teachers do.”
To nursing and speech pathology majors, Bounds made a personal request they seek employment in state.
Stephanie Staggs, a nursing grad from Houston, plans to honor Bounds” request and seek employment in the Southaven area.
Amanda Ellis, of Columbus, said she was so busy chasing her associate”s degree in nursing she hasn”t had time to focus on where she”ll work.
“I”ve been too busy with school to pursue a job thus far,” she said, adding that she would first apply locally.
Lauren Shaw, a nursing grad from Millport, Ala., appreciates Mississippi”s need for nurses but she”s headed home to Alabama.
Matt Manley, of Columbus, hopes to remain on his home field for a while longer and seek his master”s degree in business administration at MUW despite spending 10 years working toward his bachelor”s degree.
“It”s taken me a long time, but I”m glad to finally be finished. I started a family, had kids, started working full time and finally went back to school,” he said.
He chose to seek his bachelor”s from MUW because of the strong online program, which allowed him to maintain his full-time job.
Whatever their career choice, Bounds encouraged graduates to make a difference every day.
“You have demonstrated that you can face and overcome adversity. This has helped build within you a strength of character that will stand you in good stead in the future.”
The future holds many wonderful events, but it also holds many challenges, he said, pointing to the individuals who are picking up the pieces and beginning to rebuild their lives after the recent tornadoes. “They have demonstrated tremendous strength of character as they have begun the rebuilding process.”
While thousands of other students were receiving diplomas just like them, Dr. Bounds reminded them that no other students have had the same experiences as them.
“Mississippi University for Women is a special place. It has a special history and is rich in traditions.”
Even though the university is grounded in history and tradition, he said it is constantly evolving as well.
“The university continues to evolve, but never loses focus on offering a quality education to its students that will open worlds of opportunity for its graduates.”
With any evolution, there are periods of transition.
“The Mississippi University for Women is in a period of transition between presidents, but we are very fortunate to have Allegra Brigham serving as the interim president,” Bounds said. “She brings a unique skill set to the position. She is a graduate, just like you soon will be, so she shares your love of the institution.”
In closing, he referred to fellow MUW alumnus and Pulitzer Prize recipient Eudora Welty”s quote, “A sheltered life can be a daring life as well. For all serious daring starts from within.”
Bounds said, “You may feel that you have had a sheltered life here at the Mississippi University for Women. But you have dared to learn, grow and discover your strengths and weaknesses. Now you must dare to enter the next phase of your lives, the phase beyond these familiar buildings and faces.
“It will take courage and perseverance, but you have already demonstrated that you have both. Do not be afraid of what comes next; you are well-prepared by the opportunities you have been given and the challenges you have overcome.”
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