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News Release BOISE STATE NEWS RELEASE / December 19, 2008 Winter Class of 2008 Graduates from Boise State Despite the winter weather, friends and families gathered in the Taco Bell Arena Friday morning to honor the latest graduates of Boise State University. A total of 1,350 students were eligible for 1,420 degrees/certificates — a new Boise State record — including the first Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering and the first master’s in applied anthropology. The ceremony began with the traditional playing of “Pomp and Circumstance,” the presentation of colors and the national anthem, followed by Boise State President Bob Kustra prompting a moment of silent reflection for the American men and women in military service across the globe. After welcoming and thanking those in attendance, Kustra began his address to the students in a tone appropriate to the times. “If one word sums up how best to describe our collective circumstance today, it’s sacrifice,” he said, commending the graduates for their hard work and the faculty for their commitment to education. Kustra acknowledged the hardships facing all Americans, and the particular challenges to new graduates entering the work force in the wake of a global financial crisis. But his message was one of hopeful determination, analogized by the fact that Boise State was founded in the midst of the Great Depression in 1932. “Believe in yourself,” he said. “Believe that the future can be better than the present and that you have the ability to make that happen.” Student speaker Natalie Griffin, who earned a bachelor’s degree in health promotion, echoed Kustra’s message of tenacity and optimism. She encouraged her fellow graduates to thank the people who supported their dreams and step up to pay it forward. “All of us have been inspired, or we would not have made it this far in life,” Griffin said. “No matter what your next step is, be inspiring.” Bronco football star Ian Johnson skipped the team flight to San Diego for the chance to participate in commencement, and the arena crowd collectively cheered his graduation from the College of Business and Economics. Xiangli Li was hooded as the first graduate of the doctoral program in electrical and computer engineering, which Micron Technology was instrumental in funding. Nikki Marie Gorrell received the first master of applied anthropology degree and hopes to use it in her work at Boise’s Basque Museum. -30- Media Contact: Erin Ryan, University Communications, (208) 426-4910, erinryan@boisestate.edu Boise State University is “The New U Rising” with record student enrollment, new academic buildings, additional degree programs and a growing research agenda. Learn more at www.boisestate.edu.
Last reviewed on Friday, December 19, 2008
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