ISU confers 501 graduate degrees

Indiana State University awarded graduate degrees to 501 students during Friday's in-person Graduate Commencement Ceremony at the Hulman Center.

ISU conferred 119 doctoral or education specialist degrees and 382 master's degrees to graduates from 31 U.S. states and six countries. The graduates proudly walked across the stage as their names were announced but there were no handshakes because of COVID safety precautions.

"You will write your own story," ISU President Deborah J. Curtis told graduates. "A story that reveals a person who is strong, knowledgeable, and purposeful. You leave here today as this institution's promise that our graduates are difference-makers."

In a speech delivered through video, student speaker Precious Barnes, who earned a doctoral degree in Athletic Training, led the class in reflecting on how they arrived at that moment and in celebrating the milestone.

"Give yourselves an early round of applause for being here with your cap and gown on while in the middle of a pandemic," she said. "Just so you know, 20 million students attend college in the United States. Of those who do graduate with a bachelor's degree, only 21% earn a master's degree, and even fewer, about 4.5% earn a doctorate or professional degree.

"While I don't have the research just yet, I can only assume there were far fewer degrees awarded during the pandemic. We are that special group that did it!

"My charge to all of us is that we grant ourselves the permission to dream and make those dreams come true by just going for it."

Graduate alumni speaker Andrea Butcher '97, GR '00, President of HRD Advisory Group, a human resources consulting firm in Carmel, Indiana, advised graduates to create a life that "lights you up."

"By doing so, you naturally light the way for those around you," she said.

"I believe that life is not about finding yourself. It's about creating yourself. ...There is no straight line to success. Life is a series of ups and downs, highs and lows, wins and losses. And you are creating yourself through it all based on how you choose to show up, how you choose to play the game.

"So my encouragement today is that you will reflect on what it is that lights you up. Take some time to reflect on and write down what it is you want, even if it's fuzzy. And ... pay attention to what life is telling you."

Butcher has two degrees from ISU - a bachelor's degree in psychology, and a master's degree in human resource development. She served on the Alumni Association Board for three years.

"You're now part of this awesome alumni community," she said. "So continue to engage with the university that's provided so much for you."