Commencement is a celebration of the committed effort of our students and our faculty.We recognize the importance it holds for our students and their families and we are here today to honor them for their efforts.

 Students need to be aware of the enormous pride your families are feeling for you today. Families we thank you for your support of our students while they have worked to accomplish the goals set before them.

All of our students have something in common: dedication … dedication to completing the task at hand and persistence in seeing it through. Our students know that things worth having do not come easily. All of you know you have worked hard to be here today.

Today we honor our students who have had the vision to see the value of the opportunities that lay before them and the tenacity to hang onto their dreams, despite obstacles both great and small. Even as we celebrate your graduation today, we trust you will always be with us in spirit as we will always consider you a most important part of our life's work together.

Congratulations to the newest Roan Scholar graduates of East Tennessee State University joining our esteemed honored Alumni.