Two hundred twenty-four members of the last graduating class of Tri-State University showcased their achievement by receiving diplomas at the university’s 124th commencement Saturday, May 3 in Hershey Hall.

TSU President Earl Brooks II congratulated the graduates and welcomed their families and friends to the ceremony. He introduced the dignitaries sharing the stage with him, including the TSU Board of Trustees, before presenting guest speaker John Mutz, Lumina Foundation for Education Chairman and former Indiana lieutenant governor.

In his opening comments, Mutz acknowledged the last TSU class, and looked ahead with optimism to the university’s name change to Trine University in August. He praised TSU Trustees Ralph and Sheri Trine, from whom the university will take its name, and their contributions to the university and community. “I’m honored to share the stage floor with the Trines,” he told the audience.

Mutz told TSU degree candidates that their education will stand them in good stead in a rapidly changing world, making them adaptable enough to perform in many different occupations. He compared work in the real world to an engineering project, in that it requires the efficient use of all personal resources and information.

He told graduates national trends indicate college graduates will explore many careers and fields. “This trend will happen, and you may do something outside your comfort zone for a while, but you will be prepared,” he said. “Learning and exploring will be part of life. Your college skills will allow you to continue learning.”

He said interviews with recent college graduates revealed several of their priorities. He said they valued challenge over making money, and believed they needed more world experience. While they felt optimistic for their personal futures, they feared for the country in its state of war and poor economy. He also said they found adjusting to the professional world after college a bit shocking.

To handle real world challenges, he urged degree candidates to employ candid and authentic communication. “Ask for what you want, and for help if you need it,” he said. While the environment will change in an uncertain world, the new graduates will still have control. “You create your environment, and then it creates you,” he said. “What you read, where you live, and everything you do creates your world. Your life is in your hands.”

TSU Vice President for Academic Affairs David Finley recognized the faculty and degree candidates from the Allen School of Engineering & Technology, the Jannen School of Arts & Sciences, the Franks School of Education, the Ketner School of Business, and the School of Professional Studies before the conferring of degrees began.

Graduates rejoined their families and friends after the ceremony for an informal reception in Ketner Sports Center.

During an earlier commencement breakfast, President Brooks presented Excellence in Performance Awards to Associate Director of Admission and Transfer Coordinator Carol Brown, and music director Mark Kays.

Dr. Finley bestowed professor emeritus rank upon Dr. Kenneth Meeks, Dr. Robert Whelchel, and Professor Edward Nagle, who are retiring. He and Trustee Dr. John J. McKetta Jr. presented Excellence in Teaching Awards to Dr. Timothy Hopp, Professor Tim Carver, Professor Michael McNamara, Professor Wesley Garner, Professor William Barge, Dr. Brett Batson, Dr. Douglas Schmucker, Dr. Sean Carroll, and Professor William Lipman. The Overall Excellence in Teaching Award went to Hopp.

Professor Kathleen Pomeroy and Dr. Donald Kreitzer received Faculty Scholarship and Faculty Service awards, while Professor Linda Conley and Professor Denise Magwire were named outstanding adjuncts for the School of Professional Studies and the main campus, respectively.

Dr. Vicki Moravec earned the Barrenbrugge Faculty Excellence Award, while Professor Michael Biegas received the Jannen Renaissance Faculty Scholar Award. Barry Emerick was presented the Pete Hippensteel Athletic Service Award.