Faculty, staff aim to inspire graduates for upcoming commencement ceremony

Rumi Quote Graduating with a college degree is nothing short of inspiring.

“If you can't get excited about commencement when you're working in higher education, I don't know why you're here. We're here to be the team that facilitates these dreams,” Lamar University Provost Dr. Dann Brown said. “We can't lose sight that at commencement, it's not just getting the degrees and it's not just the tradition and the pomp and circumstance, it's that someone is pausing to be recognized for an accomplishment of significance that will have lifelong impacts not only on them, but their families, potentially their neighbors and their communities. It's such an amazing day.”

As Lamar University prepares to confer more than 845 degrees and certificates at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6 at the Montagne Center, we asked faculty and staff to share their favorite inspirational quotes for graduates to cherish as they march into the next step in their lives.

Associate Professor of Art Education Dr. Joana Hyatt:

“Every minute of every hour of every day, you are making the world, just as you are making yourself, and you might as well do it with generosity and kindness and style.” — Rebecca Solnit

Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing Dr. Katrina Brent:

“Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.” — Rumi

Associate Professor of Speech and Hearing Sciences Dr. Lakeitha Morris:

“Your life is your story, and the adventure ahead of you is the journey to fulfill your own purpose and potential.” — Kerry Washington

Dean of the College of Engineering Dr. Brian Craig:

“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world." — Nelson Mandela

Assistant Professor of Accounting Dr. Delvin Seawright:

"If you can't fly, run. If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, crawl. But by all means, keep moving." — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership Dr. Kathryn Washington:

"Life is like a camera. Focus on what's important. Capture the good times. And if things don't work out, just take another shot." — Ziad K. Abdelnour

Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Professor of Physics Dr. Cristian Bahrim:

“Now is the time to look ahead with courage, believe in your dreams and have trust in your success. But always look behind with respect and deep consideration for those who taught and inspired you to build this courage and gave you strength and knowledge to boldly move ahead and believe in your good future.” — Dr. Cristian Bahrim

Chair of the JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing and Professor of Nursing Dr. Cynthia Stinson:

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” — Albert Einstein

Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Dr. Helen Lou:

"The rare individual who unselfishly tries to serve others has an enormous advantage." — Dale Carnegie

For more information about summer commencement or to view the ceremony live, visit LU’s graduation website.