Commencementma Y 2020
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CommencementMa y 2020 on the cover: Tulips on The Oval Pittsburg State University Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, Kansas States is the square, tasseled “mortarboard.” The hood is the The National Anthem The Mace most distinctive feature of American academic dress. Hoods Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light, and Medallion are lined with the colors of the institution that awards the degree, and may be faced with the color designating the What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming? Two symbolic badges degree awarded. Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight of authority, traditional As you observe the hoods worn by candidates for in many European O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming. graduate degrees, note that the colors of Pittsburg State universities and at University are embodied in the lining of the hood (crimson And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, some of the oldest and gold), and the velvet trim indicates the degree (e.g., Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. schools in the nation, gold for Master of Science). The colors of the hoods of Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave are being used in faculty and guests are those of the institution conferring the commencement the degree. O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave? ceremonies. The honor of carrying the University Mace at commencement is given The Pittsburg State Pittsburg State University to a Pittsburg State University employee with extensive service to the university. University Seal Alma Mater The Presidential Medallion is worn by the President of The Pittsburg State University Pittsburg State University. Seal, redesigned in 1994, reflects On the plains of Southeast Kansas, In the Middle Ages, maces were used as weapons for the mission of instruction, ‘Neath an ever cloudless sky, breaking the armor of enemies on the field of battle. The research and service and also Far away from surging ocean, use of maces as symbols for academic institutions originated symbolizes the history, traditions, in England in the 1500s. and future of the University. The first circle from the And the storm-bird’s plaintive cry; The university mace features four individual medallions outside represents the University’s future. The second circle With her prairies rolling Westward, surrounded by brass, with a mahogany staff sectioned by identifies the University’s name; the wheat sheafs symbolize Where the buffalo once were great, brass accents. The four medallions featured on the head the State of Kansas. The third circle includes the initials With her ensign proudly waving, piece represent historic seals used by the university during and dates for the previous names of the institution and its first century of existence. identifies the mission of Pittsburg State University. The Stands our own Pittsburg State. The current university seal is cast in bronze and fourth circle contains an etching of the front entrance to featured on a solid mahogany disc which rests on top of the Russ Hall with its four columns, the symbolic image of the Refrain ceremonial mace. University. Change and progress give evidence of the dynamic Let us greet the Gold and Crimson The Presidential Medallion proudly displays the names of every president who has provided leadership and vision development of Pittsburg State University from the With a strong and cordial cheer, for our university. Again, the history of Pittsburg State founding of the State Manual Training Normal School in Let our hearts be ever loyal University is on display with the inclusion of historical 1903 to the recognition in 1923 of the transformation of To our Alma Mater dear. university seals on the chain of office. SMTN to Kansas State Teachers College, a comprehensive The past is symbolically connected to present by college educating teachers for the nation’s elementary and the chain of office which connects to a bronze banner secondary schools. From the very beginning, some graduates displaying the name of the current president. An antique pursued careers in professional areas allied to their teaching bronze medallion showcasing the official seal of the degree. In 1959, KSTC became Kansas State College at University anchors the chain of office. Pittsburg, which recognized the expanded mission to educate students in the arts and sciences and in business, education, and technical fields for various professions and careers. In 1977, KSCP became Pittsburg State University The History of Academic Regalia to mark the transition from a college to a university with a The robes, hats and hoods worn by faculty members and range of undergraduate majors, graduate programs, and four graduates have historical origins and significance. During organized schools in arts and sciences, business, education, the Middle Ages, scholars at the earliest English and and technology. The University embraced a common bond European universities wore wool or fur garments to stay with all universities to pursue instruction, research and warm in drafty stone buildings that were poorly heated. service. Most wore cloaks that included a hood that could be pulled One constant in the ten decades of Pittsburg State up to keep their heads warm. The current academic gowns University is Russ Hall. Constructed in 1907 and opened and hoods were adapted from both secular and clerical in January 1908, it became the landmark first building garments of the time. that anchored SMTN as a permanent presence in higher The style of academic dress most frequently worn in the education in Pittsburg, the State of Kansas, and the United States dates back to colonial times. The sleeves of Nation. The doors to Russ Hall have admitted thousands of the robes vary, depending on the degree held by the wearer. students during the University’s history. Russ Hall forever The head covering most commonly used in the United stands as a tribute to the bold vision of the founders. Pittsburg State University Commencement May 2020 President’s Message May 2020 Graduates: To say this has been an extraordinary year may be the understatement of the century. As I write this congratulatory note in early April, the world is responding to a pandemic of unfathomable proportions. It has impacted the everyday life of nearly every person on the planet, causing significant loss of life as well as economic chaos. In addition, it has robbed our campus of the many rituals and events that typically mark a spring semester at Pitt State. You did not ask for this, but you will be known as the class that did not have spring banquets to honor student scholars and leaders. You won’t have an opportunity to say goodbye to your professors nor to thank them for their support over the years in person. You won’t have a time to get together with the friends you’ve made at Pitt State to tell them how much you care about them and to wish them well. But of all the events and moments you’ll miss, I recognize the most significant is the loss of commencement. I cannot remember a more difficult nor more impactful decision I’ve made over the past decade as president. I am truly sorry this event could not be held. While we can focus on what won’t or can’t happen, let’s remember what did take place. You have completed your degree at Pittsburg State University. That is an accomplishment to take pride in and to build on. You are now armed with a credential that will serve you well in good times as well as challenging times. Your connections to Pitt State will endure throughout your lifetime. I would have been honored to be with you on the day of your commencement, to hear your name read, to shake your hand, to see your smile, and to enjoy hearing your family cheer as you walk across the stage. You earned that moment, and in my mind’s eye, I can see and feel it take place. I hope you can as well. Class of 2020, you’ve come from an extraordinary set of circumstances, and because of that, I’m expecting extraordinary outcomes in a world that needs your knowledge, skills, and insights. Congratulations and best wishes, graduates! Steven A. Scott, President Pittsburg State University 2 University Scholastic Honors University Scholastic Honors graduates are designated by ribbons and medallions worn around the neck. Red represents summa cum laude (requires a cumulative grade point average of 3.95); green represents magna cum laude (requires a cumulative grade point average of 3.90); and white represents cum laude (requires a cumulative grade point average of 3.85). University Scholastic Honors as listed in the Commencement program are based on coursework completed through the fall semester. Final determination of University Scholastic Honors graduates will be based on coursework completed through graduation. Summa Cum Laude Sarah M. Anderson ..................... Graphic Communications Shelby Hunter McNamara ....................................... Nursing Anna M. Annan-Noonoo ........................................ Nursing Cody L. Mein ..................................... Electrical Technology Ryan A. Asauskas ............................ Chemistry and Biology Aaron R. Miller ................ Finance and Business Economics Megan Lanae Auman .............................................. Nursing Piper Elizabeth Misse ............................................... Nursing Kaitlin M. Barnett .......................................Communication Megan Munger .......................................................... English