Index of University Press Releases

May 4, 2009

163 take part in Dakota Wesleyan commencement

Austin Kaus • The Daily Republic

Jeremy Wilson, right, accepts his Associate of Arts degree in nursing from Dakota Wesleyan University President Dr. Robert Duffett on Saturday during the DWU graduation ceremony in the Corn Palace. Wilson was one of 163 graduates to accept diplomas. (Austin Kaus/Republic Photo)

As principal of Unity Elementary School in Sioux City, Iowa, Michael Rogers once posed a question to his students: Is it worse to steal a two-cent piece of a candy or an expensive ring?

The answer, he says, is stealing one is no worse than the other.

And while it was a simple example, Rogers told Dakota Wesleyan University’s 2009 graduating class that it’s an example of challenges they will face as they head into the workforce.

The key, Rogers said, is to “be that voice of reason, be that person of character.”

“By virtue of all the work that you have put in in life, you are leaders,” Rogers said during his commencement address Saturday afternoon at the Corn Palace.

Wesleyan’s graduates — numbering 163 — accepted their degrees at the ceremony, where a large audience looked on and flashed cameras and proud smiles. The university handed out 14 master’s degrees, 90 undergraduate degrees and 59 associate’s degrees in a number of fields.

Rogers focused many of his comments on the world’s current need for leaders.

After citing disgraced academic, sports and financial figures who lied for their own personal gain, Rogers said a quick Internet search for the word “cheating” brought up Web sites and videos that give tips on how to cheat, rather than why cheating is wrong.

“As of this day, if there’s anything this nation is crying out for, it’s crying out for leaders,” Rogers said. “You truly are leaders. Please don’t take that lightly.”

DWU President Robert Duffet recognized Norman Borlaug for an honorary doctorate. Although Borlaug was personally presented with the degree in Dallas, Texas, in December, Duffet told the crowd about the agronomist’s work in helping Mexico to become agriculturally self-sufficient, calling him the “father of the green revolution.”

Borlaug is credited for agronomy work throughout the world. He received the Nobel Peace prize in 1970, the 1977 U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom and other awards throughout his career. He also founded the World Food Prize.