Held on May 14, the Spring Commencement ceremony for the Murray State University Class of 2016 featured recipients of 1,565 degrees and certificates. The full regalia of University faculty and staff, distinguished guests, ceremonial music, unforgettable memories and capacity crowd of family and friends filled the CFSB Center.
However, for 11 graduating student athletes, the reality of post-season competition created a scheduling dilemma and inability to participate in Saturday’s ceremony.
Through the efforts of University faculty and staff, the small group of 11 graduates were given a unique ceremony the following afternoon that provided as many of the special sights and sounds as one would expect at graduation.
This spring’s Commencement marked the 90th anniversary of the University’s first graduating class in 1926. Interestingly enough, that initial ceremony took place in Wrather Auditorium, site of the student athlete commencement.
Senior lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications, Robert Valentine welcomed guests who had assembled for the special event, “recognizing their [student athletes’] achievement as scholars and their service as athletes.”
Faculty and staff, including University President Dr. Bob Davies, took their places in the auditorium while the 11 graduates entered and were seated in the first row. Dr. Todd Hill provided the music.
During the ceremony, Murray State Director of Athletics Allen Ward reminded the 11 graduates that they will always be part of the Racer family.
“Today is bigger than any race or championship you will ever win,” said Ward. “You have achieved the ultimate goal and now you find yourself fully prepared for an incredibly bright future.”
President Davies offered similar encouraging words while challenging the graduates to “not only excel in your chosen occupation, but to take what you’ve learned from your teammates, take what you’ve learned from your classes and professors and inspire hope in others”.
Senior Emma Gilmore, a distance runner with the women’s track and field team and public relations major, thanked the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications faculty, the Murray State athletic department and President Davies for their efforts in arranging the special commencement ceremony.
Gilmore, with the help of the JMC Department faculty and University staff, were quickly able to secure a site and other logistical needs earlier this spring in order to provide a proper ceremony for the impacted students.
“I can’t explain how much this [commencement ceremony] means to me,” said Gilmore. “Murray State has gone above and beyond all expectations. It’s unbelievable and I’m very grateful. Being a student athlete from Murray State University has been an honor and a privilege.”
One by one, each of the 11 student athletes approached the stage to receive their degree from President Davies while shaking his hand. Once commissioned as graduates, caps were thrown in the air, smiles and tears were present, and photos soon followed — no different than the previous day.
