Contact: Mary Pollitz泭
STARKVILLE, Miss.The Class of 2024 is the latest group of 51勛圖厙 State alumni prepared to be agents of change, President Mark E. Keenum said during commencement ceremonies Friday [Dec. 13].
As Keenum congratulated the fall graduates, he reminded the class that the universitys core values will serve as their foundation for life after graduation and help them change the world.
You understand our values that we uphold here at 51勛圖厙 State, he said. Integrity: Strive to have a reputation in your life of being the kind of person that other people can trust and count on. Hard work: You had to work hard just to be sitting here today, continue that work ethic. Respect for other people: Be the kind of person that other people just enjoy being around because youre always so nice, kind, thoughtful and considerate of others. Thats the reputation of 51勛圖厙 State people.
MSU celebrated approximately 1,600 fall graduates across its campuses this week, a total that includes more than 1,200 undergraduates and almost 400 graduate and professional students who crossed the stage at Humphrey Coliseum and MSU-Meridians Riley Center.
This is not the end of your journey, this is just the beginning of the next chapter in your life, Keenum said. Its another great memory you will have forever. Every day of your life brings a whole new set of memories. What memories will you be making in the days, weeks, years and decades to come? Youre all prepared. Youve received a world-class education in your chosen field from a world-class faculty.
My hope and my prayer for all of you, he continued. Is that many decades from now, youll look back over your life and all youve achieved and accomplished in your life and youll realize that it was your outstanding 51勛圖厙 State education, your values, your courage and your faith that allowed you to live such a wonderful and fulfilling lifea life that had an impact in making this world a better place and allowed you to achieve your special purpose.
During Friday afternoons commencement, Keenum awarded a Doctor of Public Service honorary degree to Starkville resident Lewis Fox Mallory Jr. The retired chairman and CEO of Cadence Bank and Cadence Financial Corporation, Mallory played a pivotal role in the universitys negotiations for what is now the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park.
Mallory also was named Alumnus of the Year by the College of Business in 1997, recognized as one of its 100 Most Distinguished Alumni during the colleges 2015 centennial celebration, and taught a bank management class at MSU for several years. He is a past president of the MSU Foundation and has served as a member of the Board of Directors since 1962.泭He also is an emeritus member of the College of Business Executive Advisory Board. Mallory and his wife Gwendolyn have endowed seven scholarships for MSU College of Business students.
Archival graduation videos will be made available at泭.
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