Hundreds of students and their families and friends gathered in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Friday to honor the students graduating with bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
Gov. Bobby Jindal was the keynote speaker and opted to give students advice rather than push a political agenda.
“I’d like to challenge our graduates to be rebels,” Jindal said. “I’d like them to keep the best features of their youth as they grow up and leave this University.”
Jindal gave the graduates three challenges – fight to keep their minds open, not to conform and to make their lives count for something bigger than themselves.
Jindal encouraged students to find a life in Louisiana when they enter the real world.
“Louisiana is changing, and the American dream is alive right here,” Jindal said. “You can dream big in Louisiana. Give Louisiana a chance, and you can pursue your dream here.”
Provost Astrid Merget recognized 35 students who received the University Medal – an award given to undergraduate students who received the highest grade point average among their peers. Each of these 35 students graduated with 4.0 GPA.
Merget, along with Lt. Col. Philip Pugh Jr., recognized four students who are now commissioned officers in the the different branches of the military.
Brian Baggett, Army 2nd lieutenant; Alexandra Trana, Air Force 2nd lieutenant; Robert Thomas, Navy ensign; and Stephen Rogers, Marine Corps 2nd lieutenant, said the Oath of Commissioning on the stage in front of all the graduates.
—-Contact JJ Alcantara at [email protected]