Special to the Register
LAWRENCEBURG —
Eastern Kentucky University honored 2,124 degree candidates at its annual spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 8.
The number included the University’s first-ever doctoral degree recipient, Margaret Moore, who earned a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
Three ceremonies were conducted, each honoring degree candidates in one or two academic colleges.
Bill Clements, Henderson, senior vice president and branch manager with Hilliard Lyons and a member of EKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni, addressed degree candidates in the Colleges of Business and Technology and Education at the day’s first ceremony.
Clements, a 1968 EKU graduate, spoke of the heroes in his own life and singled out one of his professors, Emogene Hogg-Hartman, for special praise. “I would not be standing at this podium if not for Dr. Hogg. I challenge this class to be heroes.”
Recalling Hogg-Hartman’s own words to him years ago, Clements told the degree candidates, “You can do anything if you put your mind to it. Don’t be the problem. Be the solution.”
Tom Coffey, Nashville, retired president and CEO of Lincoln National Life Midsouth Corporation, addressed degree candidates in the Colleges of Health Sciences and Justice and Safety. A 1965 Eastern graduate, Coffey is also a member of the University’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni.
“Life is not a spectator sport,” Coffey said. “You must get into the arena and compete. And you are equipped with the finest tools in the world to do that. You can compete anywhere.”
Coffey also urged the degree candidates to “embrace” diversity. “Seek first to understand and then to be understood.”
Jane Boyer, Prospect, a former member of the University’s Board of Regents and a past recipient of EKU’s Presidential Award of Merit, spoke at the evening ceremony, for degree candidates in the College of Arts and Sciences.
“What matters most,” Boyer said, “is how you treat people. Try to treat everybody with kindness and consideration. Try to treat everyone the same, whether it’s the person who collects your garbage or the Queen of England and believe that both are of equal value.
“Whatever you do and wherever you go, try to leave things a little better than they were before you came,” said Boyer. “If we all try to do this, the world will become a better place for everyone.”
All three speakers, current members of the University’s Foundation Board, received honorary Doctor of Humanities degrees.
Speaking as representatives of their graduating class were Mary Jennings, Beattyville, morning ceremony; Tejon Washington, Bartow, Fla., afternoon ceremony; and Jessica Slaton, Richmond, evening ceremony.
In addition to the milestone doctoral degree recipient, the honorees included 1,526 bachelor’s degree candidates, 457 master’s degree candidates, 134 associate degree candidates and 6 specialist degree candidates.
