AUGUST 1, 2020 INTRODUCTION OF THE SPEAKER Dr. Dana G. Hoyt, President, Sam Houston State University Afternoon Ceremony | 1:00 pm COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS Introduction of Graduates, Spring degree recipients: General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) Dr. G. Kevin Randall ALMA MATER [Allen R. Hightower III/Anonymous] Introduction of Graduates, Summer degree candidates: Dr. Wesley Lawrence, Song Leader Dr. William Edgington Dr. Saule Garcia, Accompanist Presiding | Dr. Richard F. Eglsaer, CONFERRING OF DEGREES Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Dana G. Hoyt, President, Sam Houston State University PROCESSIONAL REMARKS TO THE GRADUATES Mr. Chris Tritico, President, Alumni Board of Directors POMP & CIRCUMSTANCE [Edward Elgar] Dr. Wesley Lawrence, Song Leader AULD LANG SYNE [Robert Burns] Dr. Saule Garcia, Accompanist Dr. Wesley Lawrence, Song Leader Dr. Saule Garcia, Accompanist THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER [Text: Francis Scott Key; Music: John Stafford Smith] RECESSIONAL Dr. Wesley Lawrence, Song Leader Dr. Saule Garcia, Accompanist RONDEAU Dr. Wesley Lawrence, Song Leader SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY ALMA MATER Hail to Sam Houston, Hail, Alma Mater School we love best, Hats off to you, Mighty in battle, Ever you’ll find us True to the test. Loyal and true; Bearkats so loyal, Firm and undaunted, Ever we’ll be. Ever we’ll be, Orange and white will lead Here’s to the school we love Us to victory! Here’s a toast to thee. First verse sung at August 9, 2003 commencement by composer Allen R. Hightower III. Second verse, Anonymous. SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT SPRING/SUMMER 2020 1 CENTRAL 1 | Order of the Ceremony Dear Graduate, 2 | Board of Regents ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS MESSAGE On behalf of Sam Houston State University faculty, administration 3 | Message from the President and staff, I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations on your 4 | Commencement Speaker Dana G. Hoyt, PhD, CPA | President FROM THE well-deserved recognition for your achievements. Richard F. Eglsaer, PhD | Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs 5 | Baccalaureate Graduation with Special Recognition Graduation marks a significant milestone in your life and a new Carlos Hernandez, EdD, CPA | Vice President for Finance and Operations 5 | Veterans and Military Members PRESIDENT beginning. For many, it is a pivotal point, a transition to greater Frank R. Holmes, BA | Vice President for University Advancement 6 | Honor Graduates Spring responsibilities. For others, it represents another chapter in the pursuit Heather V. Thielemann, EdD | Vice President for Enrollment Management 8 | Honor Graduates Summer of knowledge and lifelong learning. For all, graduation is the Frank E. Parker, MA | Vice President for Student Affairs 9 | College of Arts and Media culmination of effort, a validation of your determination and resiliency. Mark C. Adams, MS | Vice President for Information Technology 12 | College of Business Administration The significance of such a moment should not be underestimated, as ACADEMIC 17 | College of Criminal Justice every student’s journey is marked by trials and challenges. For the class of 2020, you faced an unprecedented test, one that likely 22 | College of Education ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS OF CONTENTS TABLE 28 | College of Health Sciences shattered pre-conceived expectations and affected your perception Richard F. Eglsaer, PhD | Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs 32 | College of Humanities and of the future. Each of you shouldered this burden of uncertainty with Christopher Maynard, PhD | Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Social Sciences an inner strength that is inspiring to us all. Ronald E. Shields, PhD | Dean, College of Arts and Media 36 | College of Science and While we celebrate your accomplishment, we also want to recognize Mitchell J. Muehsam, PhD | Dean, College of Business Administration Engineering Technology those who shared in your journey. Academic and personal achievement Phillip M. Lyons Jr., PhD | Dean, College of Criminal Justice are not singular endeavors – a constellation of family, friends, Stacey L. Edmonson, EdD | Dean, College of Education mentors, and members of the SHSU community helped bring you to Rodney C. Runyan, PhD | Dean, College of Health Sciences this moment. So, let this auspicious day be a time of unity, one that Abbey Zink, PhD | Dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences lifts us all in collective celebration. Charles Henley, DO | Dean, College of Osteopathic Medicine Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never bro’t to mind? John B. Pascarella, PhD | Dean, College of Science and Engineering Technology Sincerely, Should auld acquaintance be forgot, Kenneth E. Hendrickson III, PhD | Dean, The Graduate School And days of auld lang syne? THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY Chorus: For auld lang syne, my dear, SYSTEM BOARD OF REGENTS Dr. Dana G. Hoyt For auld lang syne; Brian McCall, Chancellor | Austin We’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet, William F. Scott, Chairman | Nederland For auld lang syne. David Montagne, Vice Chairman | Beaumont And here’s a hand, my trusty frien’, Charlie Amato | San Antonio And gie’s a hand o’thine; Duke Austin | Houston LANG SYNE AULD We’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet, Garry Crain | The Hills For auld lang syne. Veronica Muzquiz Edwards | San Antonio Dionicio Flores | El Paso Chorus: Nicki Harle | Baird For auld lang syne, my dear, Alan L. Tinsley | Madisonville For auld lang syne; We’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet, Amanda Lee, Student Regent | Huntsville For auld lang syne. Robert Burns 2 SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT SPRING/SUMMER 2020 SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT SPRING/SUMMER 2020 3 He also worked at the forefront of American efforts to advance economic and social development worldwide. BACCALAUREATE GRADUATION Among the many U.S. Military awards and decorations WITH SPECIAL RECOGNITION Powell has received are the Defense Distinguished Service To reflect their achievement, graduates who have earned Participation in the Honors College is based on a Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Defense undergraduate academic excellence receive a gold cord at competitive selection process and provides outstanding Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. His civil graduation plus an appropriate notation on their academic academic opportunities and distinct undergraduate college awards include two Presidential Medals of Freedom, the transcript. The gold cord indicates one of the following experiences. Upon successful completion of the requirements President’s Citizens Medal, the Congressional Gold Medal academic achievements: Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum of the Honors College — 24 semester hours of Honors and the Secretary of Energy Distinguished Service Medal. Laude, Cum Laude, With Academic Distinction, Alpha Chi, courses and two special seminars — the student’s In addition, he has received awards from over two-dozen and Honors Program. academic transcript will indicate graduation “With Honors” countries to include a French Legion of Honor and an and the student may wear an Honors medallion with GENERAL COLIN POWELL, honorary knighthood bestowed by Her Majesty Queen Degrees conferred Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and academic regalia. To be designated as having graduated USA (RET.) Elizabeth II. Summa Cum Laude reflect an outstanding grade point average “With Highest Honors,” the student must also successfully Powell is the chair of the Board of Visitors of the Colin with a minimum of 32 semester hours earned in residence complete a special senior project involving original research For over 50 years, General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at his alma (resident classroom instruction). The distinction and corresponding and/or an effort of creative expression. has devoted his life to public service. Having held senior mater, the City College of New York (CCNY), which was grade point averages are: Cum Laude 3.50 - 3.66; Magna Cum military and diplomatic positions across four presidential inaugurated in May 2013. He also has nine elementary administrations, Powell’s deep commitment to democratic and middle schools named after him. He is the Founder Laude 3.67 - 3.85; Summa Cum Laude 3.86 - 4.00. NOTE: Semester credit hours earned in correspondence values and freedom has been felt throughout the world. and Chairman Emeritus of the America’s Promise courses are not considered “resident classroom instruction” Alliance, dedicated to forging a strong and effective The Department Academic Distinction Program is an hours and are not used in determining the minimum semester The son of Jamaican immigrants, Powell was born in partnership alliance committed to seeing that children Harlem in April 1937 and was raised in the South Bronx. individualized learning experience that provides qualified credit hour requirement for academic honors: Cum Laude, have the fundamental resources they need to succeed. He was educated in the New York City public schools and students with a comprehensive introduction to meaningful Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude, Dean’s List, and attended the City College of New York where he earned Powell is a strategic adviser at Kleiner Perkins Caufield research under the guidance of a designated faculty advisor. President’s Honor Roll. However, the semester credit hours a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. It was not until & Byers, the renowned Silicon Valley venture capital firm. and grade points earned for correspondence courses he joined the Army ROTC program at CCNY that he He serves on the Board of Directors of Bloom Energy, an Alpha Chi, a national honor society organized to recognize and are included in the calculation of the overall grade discovered his calling and launched his military career. alternative energy company that provides unique on-site promote scholastic excellence, is open to all university seniors who point average. He received a commission as an Army second lieutenant power generation systems utilizing an innovative new accepted membership and have achieved a 3.6 or higher grade upon graduation in 1958 and went on to serve in the fuel cell technology.