University of Central Arkansas officials conferred more than 1,100 degrees Saturday during spring commencement exercises.
About 386 graduates walked across the stage to receive their degrees during commencement at the Farris Health and Physical Education Center that morning. A second commencement was held that afternoon, where an additional 451 degrees were conferred. UCA officials conferred 284 degrees during the final commencement of the day.
Six graduates were recognized at “Outstanding Students of the University.” They were Rachel Suzanne Hoff, bachelor of business administration degree, College of Business; Jessica Herring, bachelor of science in education degree, College of Education; Mizuki Sasaki, bachelor of fine arts, College of Fine Arts and Communication; Heidi Hawthorn, bachelor of science, College of Health and Behavioral Sciences; Tony H. McDonald, Jr., bachelor of arts, College of Liberal Arts, and Meghan Thompson, bachelor of science, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
Derrick Gray, a teacher at Newport High School, accepted a master’s degree on behalf of his mother who died in October.
“She worked very hard to achieve this,” Gary said. “… I believe an education is something we really strive to achieve. I felt that it was really necessary for me to accept this on her behalf. I thank the University of Central Arkansas for this opportunity.”
UCA President Allen Meadors offered graduates traits that would help them be successful in their future endeavors. He encouraged graduates to be confident, a problem solver, a lateral thinker, flexible, honest, assertive, and realistic.
“And you have to be willing to admit when you make a mistake or need someone’s help,” he added. “So what is the bottom line to all of this? If there is one thing you have taken from your education at UCA, it is that you have to be flexible and adaptable. We will never have the luxury to stop learning or stop evolving.”
