Jonesboro Times

Arkansas State University held its fall 2022 commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 17, at First National Bank Arena. The ceremony, attended by family and friends, was a culmination of hard work and determination of the students who received their degrees.“Earning your degree is a major achievement and something you will have for your lifetime. An earned degree can never be taken away,” said Chancellor Todd Shields. “Your sacrifices and hard work were not made in isolation. Your families and friends have been important partners in your educational success. Today is a celebration for them, as well.” Shields conferred degrees upon graduates from eight colleges including Agriculture, Neil Griffin College of Business, Education and Behavioral Science, Engineering and Computer Science, Liberal Arts and Communication, Nursing and Health Professions, Sciences and Mathematics, and University College. Graduates received doctoral, specialist, master, bachelor and associate degrees, along with program certificates.Lauren Byrd of Glen Campbell, Ill., served as the guest speaker representing the graduating class of approximately 1,880.

“It feels like just yesterday we were freshmen moving into our dorm rooms or getting lost walking around campus trying to find our classes before the first day of school. Today, we are now walking across this stage and into the rest of our lives,” said Byrd.Byrd graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in radiologic sciences. She was chosen to represent her class based on her high Latin honors and her total credit hours.“Never would we have thought that a worldwide pandemic would occur during our time at Arkansas State University. Fortunately, we as a class and as a university did not let the pandemic deter our successes,” Byrd said, continuing to share her thoughts on perseverance. “Celebrate who you are and who you have become. Everyone in this room has accomplished great things and has made many special memories that will never be forgotten. We powered through so much together and we are all heading into the future we have built for ourselves here at Arkansas State University.”

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