Wayne Allen | Daily Times

Tiffany Journey as she receives her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy during graduation at SSU Friday.

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Wayne Allen

PDT Staff Writer

Shawnee State University held its annual fall graduation on Friday in the Vern Riffe Center For the Arts.

“Graduation is an event that marks the completion of one phase of life and the beginning of another. It’s an occasion full of expectations and rituals, which includes hope for meaningful employment, and in addition to receiving a diploma — gift giving, and parties,” said Dr. Rita Rice Morris, President of SSU in her speech to those in attendance. “When I look out at you (graduates), I see great excitement, and great hope. I also see great accomplishments by people who — as they look forward to the unknown and wonder how they will make their marks — have already done something remarkable. You are college graduates and that hasn’t always been an easy goal to pursue.”

Morris shared that among the 231 graduates, 129 received Bachelor’s degrees and 69 received Associate’s Degrees. She said 11 of the graduates received degrees in Individualized Studies, 22 received Master’s Degrees in Occupational Therapy.

“Six of you will graduate Summa Cum Laude with a grade point average of 3.9 or above, 18 are graduating Magna Cum Laude with a grade average of 3.75 to 3.89. Thirty-four are graduating Cum Laude with an average of 3.50 to 3.74,” Morris said. “That means, 25 percent of this class is graduating with honors.”

As parting wisdom to the graduates Morris stated, “All of you are entering a world filled with challenges — and exciting opportunities. During your years at Shawnee, I’m sure that you’ve heard your share of famous quotes from renowned scholars, poets, and authors, but I like to look at popular culture — especially to the movies — for my parting words of encouragement and wisdom. In Monsters vs. Aliens, the movie’s antagonist announces ‘Nothing can stand in my way now.’ This statement is especially true for you as you leave Shawnee State.”

For more information about Shawnee State University and it’s many program offerings visit, www.shawnee.edu

Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 228, or wallen@heartlandpublications.com.