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HomeEducationAustin Peay State University holds 2018 Spring Commencement

Austin Peay State University holds 2018 Spring Commencement

Austin Peay State University - APSUClarksville, TN – Spring Commencement Exercises for Austin Peay State University’s 89th Commencement Year were held Friday, with almost 1,300 students receiving diplomas, and an inspirational commencement address from Valerie Hunter-Kelly, Co-owner Keller Williams Realty-Clarksville.

The Spring Commencement consisted of three sessions, with ceremonies at 8:00am, Noon, and 4:00pm to accommodate the graduates, their friends and families.

APSU held three graduation ceremonies Friday May 4th, recognizing approximately 1,300 graduates.
APSU held three graduation ceremonies Friday May 4th, recognizing approximately 1,300 graduates.

“Our student population has increased steadily over the years, so we’ve been doing three sessions at our Spring Commencement for a while now,” Bill Persinger, APSU Executive Director of Public Relations and Marketing said. “We did adjust the times this year to better accommodate everyone.”

Persinger says APSU has been able to maintain its steady growth, at a time when enrollment at some area schools has actually leveled off or dropped.

“We are right at the 1,300 mark, for students receiving diplomas today,” Persinger said. “though, not all of them will be walking the line, so to speak. We have been among Tennessee’s fastest growing universities for several years now.

“Growth remains at about 1% – 2 % each year. Our student body makeup has changed a bit in recent years as well. Non-traditional students are at about 40%, down from a peak of 47%. That change is the result of a recent series of record freshmen classes coming in.”

Persinger says there are recognizable trends in students’ degree choices as well. “The majority of majors now tend to be in the health sciences area,” Persinger said. “So, think nurses, medical technology, biology, those are the most sought after degrees right now.

“Computer science, engineering technology, and engineering physics are trending up as well.”

Hunter-Kelly’s address dealt with her own personal struggle with ‘addiction’, an addiction to running. Hunter-Kelly and her husband Mark Kelly are on a quest to run marathons or half-marathons in all 50 states. More than 30 have already been completed, the rest are on schedule to be accomplished within the next couple of years.

She equated the necessary attributes of becoming a successful long distance runner to those needed by APSU students to reach their graduation day, and then continue on to successful lives. She spoke on the importance of never settling for average, and always continuing to push and strive for more, no matter what obstacles were encountered along the way.

In closing she referenced an anonymous quote, “Fate whispers to the warrior, ‘You can not withstand the storm.’ The warrior whispers back, ‘I am the storm.’”

APSU Noon Spring Commencement Photo Gallery

 

APSU Afternoon Spring Commencement Photo Gallery

 

 

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