CoB Holds Graduation Ceremony

May 8, 2015, was a day of celebration as 800+ students graduated from the College of Business and its affiliate program the School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management.

Dean Mary Gowan kicked off the ceremony by welcoming the graduates and their families and friends. She says, “You, our graduates today, are an impressive group, and you are joining an equally impressive group of alumni who represent the leadership at many Fortune 500 companies, who are successful serial entrepreneurs and who are leaders in their communities.  Most of all, our alumni, as will you, remember to reach back and open doors for those who come after them at JMU.”

Student speaker Mickey Gigliotti, accounting and CIS double major, was up next. He asked his fellow grads “What is it that YOU will do after graduation?” He talked about the value of the Madison Experience, saying, “Each and every time you have been frustrated by a teammate on a project, a professor or an assignment, you have strengthened your ability to be a productive member of society.”

Dr. Bob Richardson, faculty speaker and winner of multiple teaching awards, was next on the agenda.  He related a story about taking a raft trip with his son, and navigating the waters. He advised the graduates “I am not just encouraging you to find a guide…I want you to get in the habit of finding guides who can help you navigate the river. You have a good start right here with many of the faculty.  I have heard so many stories of these faculty providing both professional and personal advice that it makes me proud to be a part of this faculty.”

Tom Carr, 1985 graduate, Senior Vice President of Sales at SyCom Technologies and member of the College of Business Board of Advisors, was the keynote speaker. He congratulated the graduates on their achievement. He advised the group, saying, “Change is the only constant in the world we live in today. Embrace it, learn from it and make a difference with it.”

He cautioned the group that success is not measured by financial gain. He said, “Doing the right thing every day in your role, learning and improving, involving others to gain perspective and finally creative thinking with hard work will often lead to success as an end result.”

Congratulations to all CoB graduates!

To view the Facebook album, click here.

To see the Highlight Reel from the Commencement Ceremony, please click here. 

To see the entire Commencement Ceremony, please click here.

To see remarks from Dean Mary Gowan and faculty member Dr. Bob Richardson, please click here. 

To see remarks from student speaker Mickey Gigliotti, please click here.

To see remarks from alumni and keynote speaker Tom Carr, please click here.