A graduate enthusiastically waves to a guest in the crowd.
A graduate screams in excitement as she walks down the processional aisle.
Eastern Grad Edits---Trustees Medal –The Trustee's Medal is EWU's highest honor and was presented to Dr. Margo Hill by Board of Trustees Chair Jay Manning.
Eastern Grad Edits-Student Body President---Student body President Lucas Fyre gives advice on the value of leadership during the June 17 Graduation ceremony.
A graduate smiles just before entering the arena floor.
A line of graduating Eagles ready to find their seats.
SPOKANE - After the students processed in to "Pomp and Circumstance" and the ceremony was opened with the presentation of colors, Dr. Jonathan Anderson welcomed the graduates and thousands of guests to Spokane Arena the afternoon of June 17. Anderson is the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Eastern Washington University (EWU).
Between two ceremonies that day, 2,600 Eagle graduates crossed the stage under the bright lights.
Anderson then handed the microphone off to the 27th President of EWU, Dr. Shari McMahan who talked about community when addressing the graduating class. According to McMahan, the definition of community doesn't explain how much work truly goes into community.
"A successful community requires that each member to give of themselves," McMahan said. "It's right there in the word, it requires unity."
"Unity, however, is not easily achieved and necessitates hard work, daily commitment, and a willingness to grow and embrace new perspectives. The rewards though, are without measure, she added."
McMahan went on to describe an experience that opened her eyes to what unity, community and inclusion truly mean and the work and partnerships that go into the overall picture.
Stepping to the podium next, Student Body President Lucas Fyre got directly to the point in speaking about the leadership skills represented by this year's graduating class.
"I can say with confidence that this class has produced some of the best leaders this campus has ever produced," Fyre said. "Not the leadership that stands behind the title, but the truest type of leadership. The leadership over yourself."
He then went on to describe how each graduate comes from different roots, and has different goals, but through the course of collegiate studies have also found commonality with each other.
Fyre reminded his peers that some of the small decisions that are made in everyday life can help paint the details of the overall picture, and to never lose sight of personal goals.
"The peers to your left and to you right may be your classmates and friends," Fyre said. "They only share with you the degree. Each of you goes so much deeper, and it's that unique story and personality that will get you the most out of life."
Chairman Jay Manning congratulated the 2023 Eagle graduates on behalf of the Board of Trustees, and then presented The Trustee's Medal, and award given for excellence in teaching. Manning placed the medal around the neck of Dr. Margo Hill for her efforts both in and out of the classroom.
After some brief faculty recognition and honors, the conferral of degrees was underway. After the students were re-seated, they stood up to turn their tassels and toss the graduation caps.
Matthew graduated from West Virginia University-Parkersburg in 2011 with a journalism degree. He's an award-winning photographer and enjoys writing stories about people.
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