King urges graduates to lead by example
CHADRON – During his Chadron State College commencement speech Friday afternoon in Memorial Hall, Dr. Don King, Education department chair, encouraged the 80 graduates to be proud and take time to embrace the significant achievement of earning a master’s degree.
King, longtime education professor at CSC, invited the graduates to think back to their Intro to Grad Studies class and to be aware how often they can use the principles covered in it. He cited an example of a supermarket tabloid headline claiming 80 percent of the American public believe the education system is failing, to prove his point.
“Rather than blindly believing this claim, you now have the knowledge and skills to ask appropriate questions about that pie chart data,” King said. “Asking about the credibility of the source, the pool that was surveyed and other questions is crucial, and important. It validates whether this information is credible. In this age of global turmoil it is drastically important that we ask these significant questions as it pertains to national and international issues. Now that we know better, it is therefore irresponsible of us not to question.”
King urged the graduates to provide local leadership to schools and communities.
“We need good leaders. Leaders who can explain and interpret and challenge, and those leaders, my friends, these leaders are you,” he said.
Whether graduates chose to serve behind the scenes or in the spotlight, King challenged them to use their talent and skills to politely and professionally provide accurate information and insist that decisions are made on factual evidence.
He offered other leadership advice such as remain positive, be persistent, listen, observe and cultivate gifts.
“Be kind and respectful. Everyone has a battle or a struggle that we are not aware of,” he said.
Referring to his participation in final oral exams for master’s degree candidates, King said he always walks away with a profound sense of pride in CSC graduate students.
“You continually surprise and amaze me with your inspiration and talent. And above all with your dedication, compassion, and desire to improve your profession. I am proud to be a part of your education. I thank you for that honor,” he said.
Graduates involved in the program included Scott Nielsen of Denver, Colorado, who offered the opening moment of reflection and Lori Fankhauser of Black Hawk, South Dakota, who offered the closing moment of reflection.
Photos from commencement can be seen in the College Relations online gallery.
Category: Campus News, Commencement