Truman State University - Echo Yearbook (Kirksville, MO)

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thought and the impor- tance and dignity of indi- viduals.” Tom Taylor, graduating business administration major, said: “I thought her message was good, but I was so excited about grad- uating that I had a hard time listening. When they named my division I yelled like I've never yelled be- fore. It was a great feeling. ” Bachelor's degrees were presented to 917 students, 73 students earned mast- er's degrees and 11 stu- dents received education specialist degrees. Four seniors earned a perfect 4.0 grade point av- erage during their college careers and were named valedictorians. The four were Susan Plassmeyer, Sherry Jack- son, Karla Ponder and Rick McVeigh. Once all of the degrees and awards were pre- sented the graduates and audience joined together under the direction of Clay Dawson, associate pro- fessor of music, to sing “Old Missou.” The song summed up the ceremony in the words of Basil Brew- er, a 1901 graduate. Junior Lori Merman said she was surprised at how casual many seniors seemed to be about the ceremony. “Because I know almost everyone considers col- lege graduation to be one of the major milestones in their lives it was different to see them being so casual — cups in their hands, waving to the crowd, mes- sages on their mortar- boards. There are always a lot of mixed emotions at graduation time,” Herman said. “I was sad to see a lot of really good friends leave, yet I was glad for them be- cause I knew they were ready to move on.” When the ceremony was over, students were seen celebrating all over Kirks- ville, ready to begin a new phase of life in the quick and ever-changing world. ----Callen Fairchild----- Feelings of excitement and anticipation filled the atmosphere as more than 1,000 students filed into Pershing Arena on May 9 for spring commencement FINALLY MAY exercises, realizing they would soon be touching tomorrow today. Families and friends cre- ated a wave of pastels as they squeezed into the crowded gymnasium. Uni- versity officials decided to hold the ceremony in- doors because of the wet field at Stokes Stadium and the possibility of more rain. Clad in the traditional black cap and gown, the graduates filed in to the ac- companiment of Elgar s “Fanfare and Procession- al” by the MMSU symphon- ic band. Whistles, cheers, and shouts were heard ev- ery time friends or family were spotted in the crowd. Shaila Aery, commis- sioner of the Missouri Co- ordinating Board for High- er Education, delivered the commencement speech. Aery said rapid changes would occur in the next 10 years, making the world even better than it was for the previous generations, and that each graduate had the capabilities to make a difference in this world. “These changes will not take place mechanically,” Aery said. “It takes human participation and vision. Each of us has the capacity to change the world.” Aery concluded: “Com- mencement is always a time of celebration. It is a time to express certain val- ues, such as freedom of Other rimes May has arrived, bur never with rhe same significance GRAPHIC GRADS Seniors Pam Wyant. Cindy Bishop, and Tom Louth promenade to Pershing to receive their degrees In the arts. Photo by Jody Schultz

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LOADED DOWN A student, get- ting help from her mom, moves into Ryle Mall. Upperclassmen were asked to arrive a day late to limit the numbers moving in. Photo by Matt Blotevogel MALL SWEET MALL RA Julie O'Mara. so., and Stephanie Strickland, fr., find a comfortable place to study in their room on the filth floor in Ryle Mall. Photo by Matt Blotevogel MOVIN' ON UP Parking spaces are few and far between around campus during the hectic days when students move into the resi- dence halls. Photo by Matt Blotevogel Student Life Overcrowding

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LEADERS Or THE PACK The graduation procession, begin- ning with Barbara Heard, grand marshal, andJunior marshals Jill Benton. Jr., and Bonnie Tlcuncr makes its way to Pershing Arena. Photo by Ray Jagger LOO KIM GOOD Mary Zukows- kl. sr.. adds a pair of shades while Bay Umali. sr.. adjusts his hat. due to the windy weather. Photo by Jody Schultz SCHEDULE OF EVEMTS Denise Westhues and fellow graduate re- fer to the program as the gradua- tion activities get started. Photo by Jody Schultz MASS APPEAL Pershing Arena receives the honor of hosting the graduates and their guests. Incli- mate weather forced the change of place. Photo by Jody Schultz Student Life Graduation