Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 35 from VSU in 2008, shared his own journey with the graduates and challenged them to go out and change the world and to leave it better than they found it. As his convocation address came to a close, the graduates prepared for the long-awaited ritual of turning their tassel from right to left. This practice would be the last thing standing between our graduates and the next chapter of their life. Following the business convocation, graduates and family members mingled with LCOBA faculty before heading to the stadium to join the other colleges for the Valdosta State University Commencement Ceremony. As 5:00 pm drew near, the Langdale College students began making their way to the stadium for one last walk as an undergraduate business student, each one giving Blaze a high five as they entered the field to take their seat for the ceremony. Our keynote speaker, Stuart Parker, CEO of USAA, delivered a heartfelt message to each and every graduate. His closing words echoed through the stadium, “Stay humble, be gracious, find your purpose, and pursue it with a passion”. Following Stuart Parker’s address, Dr. Brian Gerber, Interim Provost and Vice President of Student Affairs, conducted the presentation of degrees and the interim president instructed Graduation is a rite of passage different from others like birth, adulthood, marriage, the coming of age, and death. Graduation is a significant stage of development from childhood to adulthood because graduates develop new ideas that they can use to improve the world. It is this very moment that our students have been preparing for since they arrived on the campus of Valdosta State University. Every class, internship, study abroad experience, student organization opportunity, and faculty engagement has helped to mold these students into a well- rounded version of themselves. As a rite of passage, graduation represents the culmination of determination and hard work. It also holds the memories of an amazing journey and promise of future success. On May 7, 2016, 141 students were honored by the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration faculty and staff. Parents, grandparents, and other loved ones filled the seats on the front lawn of Pound Hall to witness the transformation of their loved one from college student to college graduate. The graduates were addressed by Jeff Worn, VP of South Georgia Pecan Company, with a meaningful message about determination and grit. Jeff, who earned a degree in management the students that it was time to move their tassel from right to left, signifying the transition from student to graduate. Jeff Hooks, Alumni Associate President, welcomed the new graduates into the VSU Alumni Association. “Graduates, I bring you greetings and congratulations from the Valdosta State University Alumni Association. We are proud of you and of your many accomplishments during your time here. We hope you will look back on these years fondly and remember your alma mater with pride. Today, you join the ranks of over 60,000 Valdosta State alumni who are succeeding in their chosen professions throughout our region, our state, our country, and the world. You too, have worked hard to achieve your chosen degree; use it well to improve your life and the lives of others. You are the greatest ambassadors this university has, and we hope you will accept the challenge to join us in working together to assure that the future of Valdosta State University remains as bright as it is today.” Jeff administered the symbolic VSU Alumni Oath and then all of the graduates celebrated with each other as fireworks exploded in the sky. It was an incredible evening and a perfect reminder that each graduate's journey is just beginning. S P R I N G 2 0 1 7 35