This past weekend at Southern Oregon University (SOU), Governor Tina Kotek took the stage to directly address the freshly minted graduates of the class of 2025. In her commencement speech, Kotek encouraged the students to maintain their belief in themselves and their ability to effect change in the world, telling them to "Believe in yourself. Believe in others. And believe in something bigger than yourself," as reported by the Oregon Newsroom.
A total of 880 graduates were individually recognized on Saturday, the event also marking Governor Kotek's first time to passionately deliver a commencement address since her inauguration. In an atmosphere brimming with achievement, the Governor and SOU President Rick Bailey, together with the university staff, presented diploma covers to the class of 2025—a group bestowed with 1,056 degrees across various disciplines.
SOU President Rick Bailey was equally effusive in his praise following Governor Kotek's address. He shared his sentiment about the Governor's impactful words, stating, "Today our Governor gave us all a beautiful and gracious gift by taking the time to help us celebrate our graduates," as per the remarks by the Oregon Newsroom. According to Bailey, the Governor is an emblem of the transformative potential of higher education and stands as a powerful example to the graduates embarking on their careers.
The ceremony was not simply a formality but a personal moment as Kotek and Bailey made sure to greet each graduate, exchanging handshakes and capturing moments with a photo as each name was called and students walked the stage. The 99th Commencement Ceremony provided the setting for the graduates to transition from the world of academia into what promises to be significant roles in both regional and state-wide contexts. The participation of the Governor was a tangible gesture, symbolizing her support and belief in the graduates who are poised to begin to truly shape the narrative of their lives beyond the confines of university walls.
