A group of graduates smile and hold their diploma covers up in celebration after walking the stage at commencement May 10 on Soldier Field.
Rogers State University conferred degrees upon nearly 650 graduates during its 113th commencement ceremony Saturday, May 10, on Soldier Field on the RSU campus in Claremore.
Unlike previous commencement ceremonies, which honored College of Professional Studies graduates in the morning and College of Arts and Sciences graduates in the afternoon, all graduates had their degrees conferred in one ceremony beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Ceremonies began with the Mace Bearer’s Proclamation by Dr. Hugh Foley, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Travis Peck, director of alumni engagement, and welcoming remarks by Interim President Dr. Mark Rasor.
“You are about to witness a special occasion,” Rasor began. “Today, we are conferring certificates and associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees on candidates who have satisfied all academic requirements.
“The commencement ceremony is an academic tradition that extends back beyond the history of this great institution,” he continued. “This ceremony also is part of the tradition of higher education in America as envisioned by Thomas Jefferson, who is represented at the entrance of the RSU campus, welcoming scholars to our community of learning. Indeed, the ceremonial Commencement traditions extend back through the centuries, as teachers and learners celebrated the pursuit of knowledge, answers, insight, and wisdom.”
Rasor then introduced the distinguished guests on the platform, among them, RSU faculty and staff, as well as guest speaker for the day, OU Regent Eric Stevenson. A native of Wagoner, Oklahoma, Stevenson is a current member and past chair of the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents (the governing board for RSU) and president of Nationwide Retirement Solutions. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
“It’s really my privilege and my honor to be here today to celebrate the remarkable achievement of the Rogers State graduating class of 2025,” Stevenson began. “Today marks years of hard work, dedication and perseverance. As you step into the next chapter of your lives, I’d like to share a few thoughts with you about navigating your path forward and investing in your future and the future of others.
“While so much has changed since my time as a college student, there are some fundamental values and reflections from the last few decades that still hold true,” he continued. “I hope my words today will inspire some of you to live your life with intention and gratitude, as you chart your course and make your mark in this world.”
Stevenson then recounted a conference he recently attended in Los Angeles, at which, one of the speeches he heard emphasized the fundamental importance of education and the idea that education has created American exceptionalism.
“The idea that many – if not all countries around the world – to this day, look at America as the beacon for having the best education system in the world,” he said. “This country was built on the radical idea that knowledge, freely pursued and widely shared, can create upward mobility, drive innovation, and expand opportunity for all. You are now a part of that tradition.
“Graduating college isn’t just a personal achievement – it comes with an expectation, not pressure, but potential,” he said. “You’ve been given an extraordinary gift. I’d say you earned an extraordinary gift – a college education in America is still one of the indicators of a lifelong impact, without question, and I don’t mean just earnings. Because of that, your faculty and staff here expect you to impact and change the world. It doesn’t have to be tomorrow, but over time, whether it’s through your profession, community service or simply how you treat people around you. Your education equips you to lead, to lift others, and to leave this world a better place than you found it.”
“I encourage you, as you move forward, to be deliberate about aligning your goals with your values,” he said. “Define success on your own terms, not by how much you accumulate, but by how deeply you contribute. Your degree is certainly not the end of your education; it’s the beginning of your influence. Use it with courage and use it with conviction. As you think about your future, think about the legacy you want to leave behind. Your legacy isn’t just about the accomplishments you achieve, but the values you uphold and the impact you have on others.”
“Graduates, as you step into the future, carry with you the spirit of service and the intention to give back,” he said. “Make investments in things and people that fulfil you. Serve your purpose and make the world a better place. Surround yourself with a supportive and diverse group – your own personal board of directors – who will help guide you. Be open to their wisdom and embrace the journey ahead with purpose and passion.”
“Congratulations class of 2025. May your future be bright, your impact be profound, your journey be filled with meaningful moments of service and growth,” he concluded.
Following Stevenson’s remarks, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Susan Willis recognized students graduating with academic honors and certified the graduates. Dr. Rasor then conferred the degrees upon the graduates.
Near the ceremony’s conclusion, Rasor once more congratulated the graduates, welcoming them into the ranks of RSU alumni.
“Today marks an important day on your journey through higher education,” he said. “Today you become alumni of Rogers State University. Alumni of Rogers State University include doctors, lawyers, teachers, senators, and professionals across nearly every field. Saying you have a degree from RSU means something. It means you are qualified, you are trained, and you are ready to take on any challenge.
“As you continue moving through life, be proud to call RSU home and always know you are welcome here on the Hill.,” he added. “Congratulations on becoming the newest class to join the RSU Alumni Association.”
In total, RSU awarded 816 degrees and certificates to the graduating class of 2025. Among these were 54 master’s degrees, 524 bachelor’s degrees, 88 associate degrees, 146 micro-credentials and six certificates.
Watch the commencement ceremony on demand.