Published: May 06, 2008 09:58 am            

IUS celebrates commencement with record crowd

Indiana University Southeast celebrated its 40th commencement ceremony Monday evening with a lot of firsts.

It was the first time nearly 6,000 people came to watch the ceremony.

It was the first time a military helicopter unexpectedly did a low fly-over.

It also was the first time 69 percent of the graduating class were women.

“With all these educated women out here, we need some more guys in here so that they can keep up with them,” Chancellor Sandra Patterson-Randles said after the ceremony.

This year, 1,018 students received degrees, which is the third-largest graduating class from IUS. About 500 of those showed up for the ceremony, which included students tossing around oversized beach balls, spraying silly string and sounding air horns.

Even with all the distractions, the ceremony went on without missing a beat.

“The fly-over was interesting,” Patterson-Randles said, smiling. “But even with a fly-over, beach balls and the loud trains coming through, nothing can deter you from getting that degree ... we were cool with it.”

Parents, family and friends filled every seat and most of the ground with folding chairs and blankets to watch the commencement at the amphitheater, by the new residence halls. Water was on hand and shuttles to and from cars were available to help people deal with the warm weather and the walking distances. Some had to park at a local church, since every parking spot and most of the grass was filled with cars on the campus.

“I came to see my uncle graduate, because this moment is really special to me and I really love him,” 7-year-old Austin Lobe said, referring to Josh Lobe. “It was fun, except it seemed like a long time.”

After the approximately two-hour ceremony, graduates came into the Paul W. Ogle Center for a reception, which included cake and punch.

“Come on and smile,” Warren Hanks, of Corydon, told his son, Michael, who was posing for a picture with his degree. “This is a happy day.”

“It just took him three schools, but he made it!” Michael’s grandmother, Ethel Bailey, of Louisiana, proudly said.

For some, this day marks a change in their careers.

“I’m very excited, because I finally got my degree in elementary education that will allow me to do what I want for a living,” said 42-year-old Sheila Kenninger, who works as a nurse. “It’s been a long journey and now it’s come to a close.”

For others, this is just the starting point.

“It’s going to be difficult being an adult,” said Ashley Cotner, 23, who got a degree in elementary education. “It’s exciting and scary all at the same time, but I know it will be a wonderful experience for me.”

“I’ve got mixed emotions. Right now, there are a couple of job opportunities, but I’m not sure whether I want to start working right away or take some time off first,” said Kevin Starks, 23, who double-majored in business management and marketing. “I’m excited, nervous and scared. A new chapter is about to start and a new door is opening and I don’t know where it leads.

“Anything is possible.”



BY THE NUMBERS — IUS graduation

174 have earned a master’s degree

722 have earned a bachelor’s degree

122 have earned associate degrees

TOTAL: 1,018



Of those ...

31 percent are men

69 percent are women

36 percent are 24 years old or younger

30 percent are 25-29

22 percent are 30-39

8 percent are in their 40s

3 percent are in their 50s and 60s

— Indiana University Southeast Chancellor Sandra Patterson-Randles



So you know

• This is the third-largest graduating class in the 40 years degrees have been awarded at IUS.

• Twenty-one are counties represented by this year’s graduates



Ivy Tech graduation to follow

• Commencement at Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday. It will take place at Northside Christian Church, which is on Charlestown Road, in New Albany.

        

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