By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
On Friday, Fort Hays State University's Fall students, family and friends gathered at Gross Memorial Coliseum to celebrate their educational accomplishments during two in-person graduation ceremonies.
"Graduates you should be extremely proud of this graduation milestone," said Provost Jill Arensdorf during her opening remarks, "especially given the enormous challenges of the last two years."
The challenges encountered over the last two years would be a running theme through the event, as the university celebrated the degree completion of 442 graduate students and 829 undergraduates.
"I am impressed as a Regent with all of the graduates from our universities, but particularly right here because this is home, and I am an alum of Fort Hays State University — and I am very proud," said Allen Schmidt, Kansas Board of Regent member.
"Under the best of circumstance, college requires dedication, tenacity and commitment. And you, as the class of 2021, certainly did not face the easiest path to travel through your studies," he said.
Schmidt asked graduates to look back at their experiences during a challenging college career and use those lessons in the future.
"What can you take away from the things you have faced and overcome that would allow you to flourish as you begin your careers or continue your studies?" he said. "The answer to those questions will enrich your life for years to come."
"You did it!" said FHSU President Tisa Mason. "You are graduates of Fort Hays State University, and I am so proud of each and every one of you."
While she recognized the achievement, she also asked the graduates to recognize the support from families, friends, instructors and staff who allowed the students to accomplish their educational goals.
She also told the graduates their ties to FHSU and their ability to adapt to a changing world will be beneficial to their future plans.
"Change is all around us and how you, as a Fort Hays State University graduate, handle our constant world of change is what will differentiate you from other graduates," Mason said. "Think of it as a carry-on suitcase for the trip of a lifetime.
"As Fort Hays alumni, you are equipped to be agents of change," she said. "As the saying goes, be the change you want to see in the world. Be engaged global citizen leaders, doing good for others and being a good person. Work hard. Be smart. Be humble. Be helpful. Be kind. Become engaged in the world around you."
She also asked the graduates to cherish the special privilege of education.
The in-person ceremonies were split Friday with undergraduate, master’s and Ed.S. candidates in the Robbins College of Business and Entrepreneurship celebrated in the morning, followed by the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, and the Werth College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics.
The second ceremony featured the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the College of Education for undergraduate, master’s, and Ed.S. candidates.
Replays from both of Friday's in-person events can be seen on the university's Facebook page.
Saturday, a virtual ceremony is planned as well and will also be available on the same page.
