John Tully
Plymouth — Plymouth State University celebrated its inaugural graduate program commencement on Thursday, May 17 in the Bank of New Hampshire Field House in the Active Living, Learning, and Wellness North Center, the university’s state-of-the-art academic and athletic complex.
A total of 264 graduate and doctorate degrees and certificates of advanced studies were awarded.
“Each of you is destined to have a life of real impact. Your Plymouth State education has given you the tools to transform the lives of others, and in the process transform yourselves,” said school President Donald L. Birx.
“The world is not static, and with change comes opportunity for those who are flexible, nimble, well trained, and receptive to new possibilities,” Birx said. “Your PSU graduate degree tells the world that you possess all of these attributes.”
New Hampshire Senate President Chuck Morse, a Plymouth State alumnus, delivered the commencement address.
“I believe that true leadership comes from two very basic principles: honor and respect,” Morse said. “Honor comes from sticking by your word and your principles to do what you know is right and having respect for those around you.
“I challenge you to be that leader who stands up for others who cannot stand up for themselves,” he said.
Brenda Shively earned her bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State University in 2013 and went on to work for the university in various roles. She returned to PSU in its graduate business program and received her Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a certificate in strategic marketing.
“As a student body, we are actively redefining what it means to be a graduate student in today’s world,” said Shively. “Because what we accomplish academically is only part of our stories. We are full-time employees, full-time parents, volunteers, small business owners, philanthropists, tomorrow changers, do-gooders, and so much more.
“We are making the choice to better ourselves, our careers, build better futures with our families, and leave the world a better place,” she continued. “We are fulfilling our university motto, Ut Prosim – that I may serve – by making the ordinary extraordinary.”
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