News and Events

Commencement ceremonies cause for celebration

May 18, 2013

“You’re what I’m banking on in the new world order,” Dale Cushinberry told the newest alumni of Emporia State University.

Cushinberry, a member of the 2012 class of Emporia State Distinguished Alumni, addressed the candidates for undergraduate degrees during their graduation ceremony Saturday morning, May 18, 2013, in White Auditorium in Emporia.

“You young people are going to have to ensure our children are the priority,” the retired educator from Topeka told the next generation of leaders.

To navigate this new world order, Cushinberry advised the graduates to develop themselves to their fullest potential, have a positive attitude, look to themselves rather than others for motivation, dream big and set goals, embrace change and create their legacies.

“Having been a part of the Emporia State experience, you will be forever changed,” Cushinberry said. “Just know you are not alone. You will have the force of the entire Hornet Nation supporting you.”

More than 600 students were candidates for baccalaureate degrees at the ceremony that also included remarks from Tim Emert of Independence, chair of the Kansas Board of Regents, and Dr. Michael D. Shonrock, president of Emporia State University.

During the afternoon, nearly 300 candidates for graduate degrees were honored at the doctorate, specialist and masters ceremony in Albert Taylor Hall on the Emporia State campus.

The focus of the separate 2 p.m. ceremony was each graduate receiving his or her academic hood.