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December 19, 2011
Metropolitan State University of Denver
1,256 ‘scrappy’ students graduate
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An elated graduate celebrates during the Fall 2011 Commencement at the Colorado Convention Center Sunday, Dec, 18. |
The Metro State community came together Sunday afternoon, Dec. 18, to celebrate the graduation of another record-setting—and scrappy—Roadrunner class.
A total of 1,256 students were eligible to receive their degrees. Among them were the first five students to complete their master’s degrees: two in professional accountancy and three in teaching. A posthumous degree was awarded to Daniel Manning, who had completed all of his classes but died before receiving his bachelor's degree in industrial administration and leadership.
Metro State President Stephen Jordan told the graduates that when the College was created, then-state Senator Roy Romer said it was a place to serve the “scrappy” student, and Jordan reminded them, “You are scrappy.”
Not only is the College a good deal, but a great school, he said. “Today you are receiving something very valuable, a degree from Metro State.”
The Colorado Convention Center was packed with family and friends, and a few audience members sported Denver Broncos’ jerseys. One or two candidates even “Tebowed” before receiving their diplomas, to the delight of the audience.
Lt. Gen. Eric Schoomaker, former U.S. Army Surgeon General, gave the keynote address. He talked about the inspiration he derived from authors Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers, and their ideas of the hero’s journey and finding one’s personal bliss.
“In the end, by following your bliss on your own hero’s journey your reward will be a life well lived, filled with the hope and joy you are experiencing today,” Schoomaker said.
The outstanding graduate award recipient, Lisa Dimmer, left Metro State with a 4.0 grade-point average.
She spoke about lessons in giving and receiving during her time at the College. She recounted a night when she went out to pick up a package of Q-tips for an art project. A homeless man approached her car and asked for some change. She replied that she could barely afford her purchase to complete a project. The man then offered her change.
“There is always an opportunity for giving,” she said.
Click here to view images from Commencement.
