Reich College of Education

Dr. Donna Ross, graduate of Cohort 14 was chosen to deliver the December 2011 commencement address.  We are so pleased to be able to announce that Dr. Ross is the fourth commencement speaker form the doctoral program.  See her remarks below:

I. Graduation Remarks for December 18th at 10:00.- Donna Boston Ross

Good morning to the Appalachian State University family- Chancellor Peacock, faculty, staff, parents, spouses, friends, and especially, welcome to the graduates from the College of Education, the College of Arts and Sciences and the University College. We have gathered here this morning to recognize and celebrate our achievements. A graduation ceremony marks the culmination of years of hard work, the actualization of goals attained, and the public acknowledgement of successes achieved. When you entered this institution and began your specific program of study, I am sure that this day seemed far off. If you were like me, you may have thought this day would never come. Nonetheless here we are. This morning we will be receiving an advanced degree from a premier public institution of higher education- Appalachian State University.

You may wonder how I have come to recognize Appalachian as a premier educational institution. My family and I have first-hand knowledge of the outstanding job Appalachian faculty do as they challenge students to think and actively participate within their chosen career, at local, national, and international levels. Appalachian State University has served two generations of my family. In 1963, my mother graduated with her Bachelor of Science and my father graduated with his Master of Arts degree. They told serious stories of late night exam preparations, rigorous class assignments as well as amusing stories of how Kraut creek separated the men and women and how college policy prevented women from wearing pants to class. These stories were powerful tools of influence for me. In 1987, I headed up the mountain to Appalachian to make my own story.

Since that warm sunny day in August 1987 when I moved into the Eggers dormitory, I have continued my education at ASU. About a year ago, I was asked to attend the doctoral orientation for new students. As I walked up to the second floor in the Edwin-Duncan hall, I met and became engaged in conversation with a gentleman in a gray suit. Being the extrovert that I am, I quickly recounted my entire history and affiliation with ASU. I told him I had received my Bachelor of Science in 1991, my Master of Arts in 1995, and my Educational Specialist degree in 2004 and now I was working on completing my doctorate in Education. He smiled and stated that he liked what he referred to as "repeats." As I neared my destination, it became apparent we were both walking in the same direction. During the orientation, the gentleman was introduced as Chancellor Peacock. Well, many of you sitting here this morning may be a "repeat." Choosing Appalachian for a second time is a testament to the mountaineer experience. You may be like me. You may be more than a repeat. I am not sure how I would be classified, but I know that I could think of going nowhere else. The quality of education, care, and attention I have received here cannot be surpassed. Today, I find myself carefully counseling my high school aged sons. Perhaps ASU will soon be serving the third generation of my family.

As I close, I would like for you to take a look around you. Mothers and fathers, grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins and friends, wives and husbands, mentors and professors you can all breath a bit easier now. Graduates, it is important to remember that we did not arrive at this point alone. We have achieved this educational goal through the patient suffering, support, and encouragement of others. I especially want to thank my mother who could not join me here today. Without her, this day would not be a reality for me. Please join me in a round of applause for those in attendance today and those who could not be here today who have made our achievements possible. Thank you and congratulations on this special accomplishment.