Janita Rawls (left), dean of the School of Business, and Jo Ellen Priest Misakian, dean of the School of Education, congratulate a new graduate during FPU's fall commencement December 7.
In all, 179 students were eligible to receive their B.A--127 through degree-completion programs and 52 through the traditional format--and 41 their M.A. "This is always a very special event because a higher proportion of graduates will typically be adult learners whose entire families have madesignificant sacrifices so that their spouses, parents and even grandparents can complete their academic programs," President D. Merrill Ewert said.
Former State Senator and Assemblyman Charles "Chuck" Poochigian, now an attorney in Fresno, gave the commencement address. Material gain is not success, he said. "As you pursue your goals, it's important to have balance and be guided by the knowledge that there is more to life than a fast car, expensive car and a second home."
More important than possessions are relationships. Poochigian cautioned against the self-absorption that leads some to see friendship as a way toward personal gain. Graduates should seek others, "because they have value beyond being a steppingstone over somebody else who may share your goals."
Integrity, adaptability, endurance, respect, humility and genuineness are the foundation of true success. "It's who you are, not what you have that determines your worth," Poochigian said.
The invocation was read by Joseph Martin and Scripture was read by Sarah Martin. Husband and wife, the Martins were both among the bachelor's graduates. Graduating senior Krista Moore presented special music.
Ceremonies began at 7:00 p.m. in the Special Events Center, following a reception in Steinert Campus Center.