Collegian T he Cameron University
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Monday, April 22, 2024
Volume 110 Issue 9
commencement Go Aggies! Brittney Payette
“In many ways, I am thinking about this ceremony as my graduation, too,” McArthur said. Manging Editor “I can still recall when I graduated from college on a very hot day back in 1987. I am more excited At 7:30 p.m. on May 3 at the Cameron than anxious about what comes next.” Stadium, Cameron University will host its Spring He said he wants graduates to know that he Commencement ceremony. is confident that they will take what they have President John McArthur said that preparations learned and accomplish great things for the for this year’s Commencement began last year on community. May 8. “I also want them to know that they are “When we reviewed the events held on May always welcome back to this institution whether 5 for what went well, what could be improved, as members of the CU Alumni Association, as and what should change,” he said, “meetings of guests at university events, the Public Exercises Task Force or even as parents of the continue throughout the year students of the future of this to assure a great experience for “I enjoy seeing institution.” our graduates, their families and Senior Journalism and students I met as guests.” Media Production major McArthur said that the role first-year students Alec Santos said one of his of the president of the university who have grown so favorite parts about his college in the Commencement is largely much while achieving experience at Cameron was ceremonial. founding a fraternity chapter “I attend the graduate hooding their academic called Kappa Sigma at the ceremony, commissioning of our goals.” University. graduates becoming military “Over the years, the -John McArthur officers and Commencement fraternity has introduced me exercises,” he said. “ I Cameron University to the most honorable, talented provide brief remarks during President and smartest people I've Commencement, confer degrees ever met,” Santos said. “The to our graduates, then have the honor of founding a chapter opportunity to shake hands and of the biggest fraternity in the world is one of my to provide a diploma cover to each graduate as a proudest achievements, that I'm so glad to have symbol of their degree completion.” shared with my brothers.” McArthur said he feels an abundance of pride He also said that it feels surreal to be for the graduates at the ceremony. graduating from college. “I enjoy seeing students I met as first“I still feel like my first move-in day was year students who have grown so much while yesterday,” Santos said. “And the fact that I'm on achieving their academic goals,” he said. “I also the doorstep of life at the same time kinda freaks enjoy meeting family members of our graduates.” me out, but I am excited to find what this new Before the event, McArthur said he always chapter of life entails.” prepares by reviewing scripts and speeches, Santos said his post-graduation plans include monitoring the weather, and finding his cap, gown an internship with a non-profit organization and other regalia. called The OKC Rookie League Foundation; He said he is looking forward to what comes where he will create public relations and social next since this will be his final
media content for the organization. He said a significant takeaway from his college journey was that it is important to give people a chance. “Like many of my mentors, whether that be coaches or professors, I've learned to do what they did to me,” Santos said. “Give people a chance, encourage people to be the best versions of themselves, and not be afraid to take risks. Just do it.” Additionally, Santos said that what you do does not need to make sense to others as long as it makes you happy. Senior Political Science major Marlon Banner said he is feeling a bit anxious about becoming more independent post-graduation, but he is also feeling eager and elated to finish school. “In my experience, Cameron has taught me to work harder in my field, as Cameron geographically is much farther away from most opportunities than other colleges,” Banner said. This is both a good and bad thing, as it is farther away, but if you’re willing to work around that and put the extra effort in to seek opportunities across the state, you will stand out.” He said that his favorite experience at Cameron was joining the Kappa Sigma Fraternity because he made lifelong friends through the organization. Banner said he plans to work in the political science field. “My current plan is to continue working for the US House of Representatives with Congresswoman Bice as a Field Representative,” he said. For more information about Commencement, contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@ cameron.edu.
Commencement as the president of the university.
What’s Inside
Photo by Brittney Payette
Scissortail Writing Festival
Write on: Writer's Studio
"Your lie in April" Review
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