SAN ANGELO, Texas — Integrity, significance and community are three core values Angelo State University president Ronnie D. Hawkins, Jr. hopes to instill on his graduating classes.
On Dec. 16, more than 700 new graduates walked the stage during fall 2023 commencement with 257 graduate school students.
Ahead of the two ceremonies, Hawkins said, "I plan to tell them [the graduates] that they really need to live an abundant life and they can do that as a result of the time that they've had here at Angelo State. More importantly, they can live the core values out that we've had for them here and the experiences that they've had, the relationships that they have built, they will last them for a lifetime."
Along with him was university provost and academic affairs vice president Dr. Don Topliff, who helped organize the planning process.
"This is why we exist, I mean, this is what we do. We educate people, we provide the degrees that put them out into the world," he said. "And so this is a culmination of all that, it's a day that we look forward to twice a year."
The ceremony itself included a processional, presiding, a performance of the National Anthem, welcome, remarks and of course, the presentation of degrees.
During his speech to the class, Hawkins again mentioned those core values with a focus on significance.
"I want you to not only be successful but be significant and that can only happen if you live your life with passion and purpose," he said.
As graduates walked the stage, members of the crowd smiled and cheered.
The ceremony was held at the Junell Center/Stephens Arena, 2235 S. Jackson St. and spring commencement is set for the same location.
Read more about the fall 2023 commencement ceremony here.
