Spring graduates number 1,297 at NSU

TAHLEQUAH -- Northeastern State University held commencement ceremonies for more than 800 degree candidates in Tahlequah on Saturday and nearly 500 candidates from the NSU-Broken Arrow campus crossed the stage at the Union Multi-Purpose Activity Center on Monday night.

Rainy weather on Saturday that forced ceremonies indoors did nothing to dampen the spirits of celebrants and their families and friends, who filled the Jack Dobbins Field House in three ceremonies. Dr. Rennard Strickland, originally slated to deliver the commencement address at a single outdoor ceremony on Gable Field, delivered the commencement address during the 12:30 p.m. session for the colleges of Business and Technology and Science and Health Professions. Before he spoke, Strickland was awarded an honorary doctorate by Dr. Don Betz, NSU president.

Strickland's comments focused on the importance of civic engagement and laying the foundation for future generations.

"In the final analysis, the value of an NSU graduate rests first and foremost in the public demonstration of citizenship," Strickland told the graduates. "Good men and good women must be receptive to the pursuit of knowledge, flexible and judicious in its application to wisdom, compassionate in their approach toward and support of others, and willing to accept the guardianship of future generations."

Strickland, a 1962 graduate of Northeastern and recognized nationally as an expert in American Indian law, spoke of NSU's roots with and continued influence by the Cherokee Nation. He said the institution's graduates "stoke new fires with embers from the past."

"The contemplative approach and spiritual preparedness required of graduates of Northeastern State University makes us comparable and compatible with the past," he said. "This is how creativity works; where the creator's insight is appreciated for technical and aesthetic skills, but more importantly for completeness and enriching the community."

Graduates who completed degree requirements at NSU's Broken Arrow campus heard Cindy Morrison, Tulsa entrepreneur and former anchor and reporter, who was the commencement speaker at the UMAC on Monday night.

Among NSU spring graduates on both campuses,1,066 earned bachelor's degrees, 231 were awarded master's degrees, and 26 received the doctorate of optometry. Business, elementary education and psychology account for the greatest numbers of four-year degrees, while the majority of master's candidates majored in school administration, reading, and psychology.

Complete information about NSU degree programs and activities is available at nsuok.edu.