STARKVILLE, Miss.--Knowing "there would be risks, sacrifices, long days and longer nights, struggles, doubts, and even pain," the retiring U.S. education secretary congratulated Mississippi State graduates Friday night for their "bold decision to attend college."
Commencement speaker Rod Paige, a Monticello native and Jackson State University graduate, assured the graduates the effort was worth the effort. "You made it, you did it," he said, generating a burst of applause from both those in caps and gowns and their families and friends in the audience.
Paige spoke at the first of the university's new two-ceremony graduation in Humphrey Coliseum. Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. president Donald E. Powell addresses remaining graduates at a 10 a.m. program today [Saturday].
A total of some 1,300 MSU students were candidates for degrees at the conclusion of MSU's fall semester. A continuing series of record graduations during fall and spring semesters caused the university to begin holding two separate commencement ceremonies. The change also was made to accommodate a desire to announce each graduate's name--a departure from the longstanding tradition of only announcing those receiving doctoral degrees.
Paige called on his group of graduates to "use your learning, leadership and humanity to foster peace, justice and prosperity throughout the world." While many gain notoriety and fame for their efforts to do good deeds, he said "each day there are countless other people who quietly step forward: teachers, nurses, doctors, clergy, law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and social workers.
"Each person confronts a world of endless demands, infinite challenges and constant struggle, yet with each decision, act of service, moment of compassion, or kindness, you and I can change the world for the better," he observed. "We can fight for what is right, good and just."
Paige challenged all in attendance to "be willing to step forward when needed, to answer the call. We must fight for the oppressed, the poor, the sick, the aged, and those without a voice."
Paige had been the nationally recognized superintendent of the Houston, Texas, public schools before joining President Bush's cabinet in 2001. He is among a majority of original cabinet members to recently announce their departure from the executive branch around the end of the year.
The Friday night audience included graduates of the Bagley College of Engineering, including the Swalm School of Chemical Engineering; College of Veterinary Medicine; College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, including the School of Human Sciences; College of Forest Resources; and College of Education.
The Saturday program will involve the College of Arts and Sciences; College of Architecture, Art and Design; and the College of Business and Industry, including the School of Accountancy.