President Bowman delivered an address championing the successes of ISU in recent years, but also warning of future threats to higher education. “Commencement marks the successful conclusion of a course of study, but more importantly, it signals the beginning of a new era in your lives. This is also a new era for Illinois State University and I believe that some of this institution’s best days are in front of us,” said Bowman. “Unfortunately, universities, public universities in particular, are facing unprecedented challenges. While public universities are home to more than 80% of the nation’s undergraduates, higher education is facing a number of threats that could have an impact on our ability to continue to serve as an engine for nation’s economic growth.” Bowman concluded by saying that “While there is much to be concerned about, I’m optimistic that the contributions of colleges and universities to American life will sustain us through the difficult challenges that lie ahead.”
Alycia Fetzer, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology, delivered the student address. ”The message that I want to express today in this short time is the need to dream, the need to strive for some goal, some purpose. For this is what makes us live life,” said Fetzer. “We need to always be working and reaching towards something. What we’re reaching for will change and we’ll veer towards different goals, but it’s imperative that we always strive for something.”
Dean Olson left the graduates with a request: “Graduates, I congratulate you and wish you well as you go forth to experience greater challenges than you have yet faced. Do not forget the skills you developed here, and as you become the successful individuals I am certain you will become, do not forget the College of Arts and Sciences, do not forget your department, and do not forget your professors. You are now and forever part of the ISU community.”