“Cameron is YOUR university.” So said Cameron University president Jari Askins as she addressed the Class of 2025 during Commencement on Friday, May 9. When citing Cameron’s significance to the regional economy and workforce development, she heralded, “Tonight we come together to celebrate academic milestones for these graduates who are well equipped to meet the workforce needs of today and tomorrow.”
She acknowledged that the members of the Class of 2025 had each undertaken a personal journey to get to graduation while advising them there was much more to come. She offered three thoughts for consideration as they embarked on the next leg of their individual journeys.
“You graduates of 2025 have invested financially, mentally and personally to achieve this academic goal,” Askins said. “But your education is not ending. You may not go to anymore college but your learning is just beginning. A person who does not continue to learn and grow is no better than one who cannot. The person who graduates tonight and stops learning tomorrow will be uneducated the day after.”
She advised the graduates to be curious and to be lifelong learners, suggested they approach the future with open minds and be willing to entertain new ideas and new points of view. She also stressed that importance of being authentic. “You must never lose sight of who you are.” Askins said. “Identify your true north, your moral compass. Be yourself. Your best self.”
Askins underscored the definition of authenticity as “a keen awareness of who you are and what you stand for.” She added, “It means expressing yourself honestly and consistently to the world. It means understanding your values. Your values illuminate the path you chose so you can live the life you want.”
She encouraged the graduates to “Be present. Be intentional in the moment. Take a moment each day to pause, to take a breath and slowly exhale,” relaying that we find inspiration from a state of peacefulness.
“Nothing we do can change the past, but everything we do can change the future. But how, you might ask, will your actions define the future? In the words of writer Karen Ravn, ‘Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go. Only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.’”
Askins concluded her remarks by saying, “To the 2025 Cameron University graduates, I encourage you to be curious, to be authentic and be present so you can reach high, seek far, look deep and dream much.”
John R. Braught, a member of the University of Oklahoma, Cameron University and Rogers State University Board of Regents, also congratulated the Class of 2025 for their achievements, referring to them as gritty and resourceful. While acknowledging that a college degree is a symbol of knowledge, he also reminded graduates that a degree “opens doors, creates possibilities and allows you to take a meaningful place in the world.”
“Wherever your path leads you next, know this: the world needs the values that a Cameron education instills – critical thinking, compassion, resilience and responsibility,” Braught said.
Richard Fleming, president of the Cameron University Alumni Association, concluded the evening by referring to the Class of 2025 as “future leaders, thinkers and changemakers.”
“Whether your next step is graduate school, the workforce or a well-deserved break, carry the lessons and pride of your Cameron experience with you,” he said. “On behalf of the Cameron University Alumni Association, welcome to the Aggie alumni family.”
As tradition dictated, CU mascot Ole Kim (an eternal student) was the last “graduate” to cross the stage, representing the accomplishments of the Class of 2025 and signaling a dazzling fireworks display that capped off a night of achievement and celebration.
More than 725 students applied for 803 degrees; all were eligible to participate at Commencement.
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