Celebrating Our CU Graduates

 

As I reflect on this month’s graduation ceremonies for our students graduating from Commonwealth University, I am filled with pride and gratitude. My colleagues and I joined with the friends, families and supporters of our graduates to celebrate their academic accomplishments, dedication, and persistence. We are immensely proud! 

I am pleased to share a few of the thoughts and well-wishes that I had the honor of sharing with our graduates on commencement day.

The Journey

Each student’s journey is unique to them. But all share the commonality of reaching this milestone together as the class of 2024. This pivotal moment is only possible because of your hard work, grit, and perseverance. Without the support of loved ones and mentors today would not be possible. Cherish the friendships you forged and relish in the moment. Take time to reflect, celebrate, and be proud of what you have accomplished. Along the way, each of the experiences you’ve faced on your journey has shaped you into the person you are today – ready to step into the world with confidence and purpose.

Embrace the Future

As you embark on the next chapter of your life, know that the world is full of opportunities waiting for you to seize. Whether you’re continuing your education, starting a new job, or taking some time to find your path, embrace each moment with an open mind and a courageous heart.

Remember, it’s okay to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Change can be daunting, but it’s also the doorway to growth, adventures, and mountains to climb. Trust in your abilities and the knowledge you’ve gained. You've proven that you can rise to the occasion and overcome any obstacle.

Always stay curious, build connections, embrace failure, and stay True to Yourself.

Congratulations to our 2024 Commonwealth University Graduates

 

Celebrating Our 2023 Graduates

 

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of presiding over Commonwealth University’s commencement ceremonies. Over two days, three campuses, and four ceremonies 1,775 graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas and begin the next stage of their lives. I am so incredibly proud of the commitment, perseverance, and heart they have shown in earning their degrees. During my remarks to the class of 2023, I shared a favorite quote by Nelson Mandela. He said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to the change the world.”

Our Commonwealth University graduates have the power to do just that. They are a class of world changers and difference makers, willing to work hard, sacrifice, and give back to others. They have overcome much in their journey to a degree. The pandemic marked their academic experience and tested their resolve and resilience. But they did not give up. Surrounded by a caring community of friends, family, professors, and staff, they found the strength to keep going and achieve more than they may have thought possible.

In his address to the Lock Haven graduates, 2023 graduate and student trustee Justin White shared, “Here we are, ready to take on the world, to pursue our dreams, and to make a difference. We may have different paths ahead of us, but we share one thing in common: the determination to succeed.” Justin’s sentiments captured the spirit of this year’s class of Huskies, Mounties, and Bald Eagles; they are a group of ambitious and determined, strong and selfless, caring and creative individuals who are poised to make a difference in everything they do.

My message for the graduating class of 2023, whether you are graduating from high school, college, or have earned an advanced degree is to focus first on the strength of your character and success will follow. As I shared with our Commonwealth U graduates, character is something that you develop over time. Character is built through your experiences, your relationships, and your choices. As you go through life, make choices that will strengthen your character. Choose to be honest, even when it is hard. Choose to be kind, even when it is not reciprocated. Choose to be responsible, even when it is inconvenient. Make choices and stand up for what you believe in, even in the face of adversity. Your unique character is what will guide you through life’s journey. It will set you apart and make you successful in all aspects of your lives. Embrace the choices you make today, for they shape the person you become tomorrow.

Class of 2023, the world needs you and your potential to be extraordinary. I am proud of you. I believe in you. I can’t wait to see all the good you will do for the world. Congratulations!

Mansfield Graduation 

Lock Haven Graduation 

  

   Bloomsburg Graduation 

Bashar W. Hanna, President 

Commencement Season

The end of the academic year generates a myriad of emotions for those of us working in academia. For me, these emotions have been tripled by serving as the president of three universities.

On the one hand, we are happy to see the students we as educators have mentored and worked with for years reach the pinnacle of their journey and walk across the stage having earned a college degree. They have forever changed the trajectory of their futures.

On the other hand, we are saddened by their departure as they will no longer be part of our daily life. We are left with the beautiful memories we shared in and out of the classroom, watching them mature into young adults with aspirations of greatness awaiting them in the world.

At Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield, these students, now graduates, have become woven into the fabric of our collective university histories. They have taken their wide-eyed, curiosity-filled minds, worked hard, overcome adversity, excelled, and grown to new heights.

I wish that wherever life’s journey takes the class of 2022, they will never forget their time spent with us in Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, or Mansfield and fondly recall how they grew from teens to young adults and into contributing, productive members of our society.

Please enjoy a wonderful summer full of fun, joy, and laughter. All the best!

    Bashar W. Hanna, President

A season of giving and thanks

During our most recent Bloomsburg University Council of Trustees meeting, I had the honor of announcing a $5.3 million gift to the University from radio and media legend Kerby Confer. This generous gift will allow us to create a state-of-the-art media center for students aspiring to achieve success in the fields of radio, video, podcasts, live streaming, as well as other areas of broadcasting and media. In recognition of the impact this gift will have on the University, BU will name the new facility the Kerby Confer Media Center.

A central focus of the Confer Media Center will be to prepare students to enter the radio and media industries. As Kerby said to our trustees after the gift was announced, “This will make north-central Pennsylvania the hub for media.” I can’t thank Kerby enough for his commitment and for helping us bring that vision to life.

Gifts such as this one from Kerby and Steph Pettit ’89 in 2019 help BU transform the lives of our students and their families for generations to come. While gifts of this magnitude are transformational, every gift is significant. Our most recent Giving Tuesday resulted in over $40,000 from 168 donors. Those donors included 26 current students whose $1,375 in contributions will be matched by me. Now, more than ever, the need is great for immediate use funds to support students in earning their BU degree. 

On behalf of our students, a heartfelt thank you!

Speaking of the moments that can change a family’s direction for generations, last weekend, we held our Fall commencement ceremonies, in-person. It was wonderful to celebrate this milestone event with our students, their families and friends.

Now, as we near the end of 2021 and gather with those near and dear for the holidays, I send warm wishes for a season of joy.

May you stay healthy and safe and have time to relax, recharge, and get ready to usher in 2022!

    Bashar W. Hanna, President

Congratulations, Huskies!

Dear BU Class of 2021,

This weekend I'm elated that you and your families will be able to conclude the academic year with an in-person commencement ceremony, the 152nd spring commencement in our institution’s history. We are proud of your patience and perseverance over the past year as the pandemic has altered our lives in so many ways.

I also want to express my gratitude to our faculty and staff, who taught, guided, mentored, and counseled you during your years here at BU. This weekend, we all delight in celebrating with you.

As you move into your next phase of life, my challenge to you is simple. Wake up every morning with one goal in mind – to face life’s challenges and make a positive impact in the life of another so that our future is a better place than it is today.

Now, more than ever, our world needs compassion, empathy, and leadership. My wish for you is to develop and maintain a growth mindset and contribute to your respective communities in meaningful ways. Don’t be afraid to challenge what you see and hear as you continue to learn and grow. Be courageous. Make your voices heard and make a difference in the lives of others. Be leaders. Stay engaged. Be Huskies.

CONGRATULATIONS to all of you! May you and your loved ones continue to remain safe and healthy, and remember you’ll always have a home here at Bloomsburg University.
Onward! 

    Bashar W. Hanna, President