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UNCP Awards 250
Degrees in Winter Commencement
"A commencement
is a beginning," said Dr. Shelby Stephenson in his address to graduates
of The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. "Every beginning
contains a universe of possibilities."
UNCP granted 250
baccalaureate and graduate degrees Saturday, Dec. 15 at Winter Commencement
ceremonies at the Givens Performing Arts Center.
A long-time English
professor and winner of the 2001 UNC Board of Governors' Award for Teaching
Excellence, Dr. Stephenson encouraged graduates to "have the courage
to follow your dreams" and to find inspiration for their lives
from their own backyard.
"Start with
the local and then go to the imaginary that play on memory and the imagination
applies to any student," Dr. Stephenson said. "Realizing the
universe within the local - whether it is the media, the environment,
the self, the church, religion, farming and so forth -- is a way to
see new approaches and insights into the human experience."
Dr. Stephenson said
it the goal of all men and women is "to build a better and believable
world." The poet and teacher offered these verses regarding the
pursuit of that ideal from one of his poems:
- "..go
for the long ride in the scattering trust: there is time for the considerable
joy the body craves,
- "..inhabit
the earth in the measured intention of the heart: let go the usual
before our narrower selves settle for something less than divine's
whole measure."
It was the third
Winter Commencement in UNCP history since it was established by Chancellor
Allen C. Meadors.
"As you leave
UNCP, I hope you do not see this as the end of your education, rather
the cornerstone of an educational process that will last throughout
your life," Chancellor Meadors said in his final words to the graduates.
"Approach every day with enthusiasm because life is too short to
dwell on the negatives."
"Whatever you
do in life, do it was a passion and will find joy."
Offering greetings
to the graduates where Mrs. Teena Little on behalf of the UNC Board
of Governors; Dr. Russ Lea for the UNC Office of the President; Dr.
Cheryl Locklear for the UNCP Board of Trustees; Dr. Patrick Cabe for
the faculty and Mr. Dane Onorio from the Student Government Association.
Dr. Dwight Pearson,
president of the Alumni Association, told the graduates that they official
members of the Alumni Association, and they remain "the life blood
the university."
Music was provided
by the UNCP Concert Band under the direction of Mr. Timothy Altman.
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