MANSFIELD, PA— Three hundred eighty three students received degrees at Mansfield University’s 150th Commencement on Saturday, May 9 at Karl Van Norman Field.
MU President Fran Hendricks, a 1979 Mansfield graduate, told the graduates, “Your charge is to venture forth and boldly use your Mansfield education to open the doors of opportunity. Class of 2015, after you cross this stage you will be at the threshold of all that is possible. If you ever find yourself unsure of what to do, remember what a mentor of mine shared with me, leap and the net will appear. Opportunities and challenges will define your destiny. Be bold and daring as you chart your course.”
Jim Reese, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) and a 1989 Mansfield graduate, was the speaker.
Reese served in Delta Force, the U.S. elite counter-terrorist force. After retiring from the military, He founded TigerSwan, an international security and global stability firm. Reese is chairman and chief executive officer and he also works for CNN as a Global Affairs Analyst.
Reese talked to the graduates about transitions, using the one’s he made during his military career and moving from the military to civilian entrepreneurship as examples.
“Your life, graduates, will be full of transitions,” Reese said. “Your life will be more complicated than mine, your parents, your professors and anyone in this crowd who is older than 35. The world you embark on tomorrow morning, when you wake up, is fast, exciting and full of risk. It’s the ultimate techno-club.”
“Remember that tough times and tough transitions never last, but tough people always do,” he added. “Today is the beginning of everything you want. Graduation is an ending and a beginning, memories of the past and big drives for the future. Now go out there and amaze me.”
Erin Ratliff of Spring Grove, PA. was named this year’s Outstanding
Senior. She graduates with a BS in Psychology, with concentrations in Lifespan Development and Counseling, and a minor in Biology with a GPA of 3.97.
Ratliff completed the prestigious American Psychological Association (APA) Summer Science Fellowship program (SSF) at George Mason University in Virginia last summer. She also completed several research projects at MU and was also involved in Psi Chi national honor society and the Psychology Research Group. Ratliff plans on pursuing a doctorate in behavioral genetics.
The Student Government Association (SGA) presented a graduation coin to each graduate. Also, four faculty and staff members, representing the four tenets of the Mansfield Creed, were honored with the current year’s coin for their service to MU students.
SGA Past President Victoria Malatesta, who graduated today, presented recipients Bruce Carpenter, professor of History & Political Science; Glen Lattimer, Facilities; Michelle Schlegel, associate professor of Graphic Design and Kevin Stark, Mountie Express driver, with this year’s coin.
President Hendricks also presented Reese with a 1989 Graduation Coin.
Graduates and alumni are able to purchase additional coins for this year, or their year of graduation, through the Mountie Den campus bookstore. All proceeds go toward student scholarships.
Also during Commencement, graduating Student Trustee Zane Swanger represented the Council of Trustees and introduced Reese. President Jeffrey Howe ’04 represented the Alumni Association and Vice President Robert Shorb ’76 represented the Mansfield University Foundation.
The MU Concert Wind Ensemble, conducted by Professor Adam Brennan, provided musical accompaniment for the event. Sarah Polinski was soloist. Campus Minister Courtney Hull delivered the convocation. Associate Professor Charles Hoy served as grand marshal and Professor Lee Wright was herald.