The Graduate College honored doctoral candidates with a special virtual celebration May 8.
In total, 40 doctoral students were eligible for graduation this spring and 13 students joined the Graduate College for the digital ceremony. The doctoral celebration featured a welcome from Dr. Marlene Tromp and Graduate College dean Tammi Vacha-Haase, with appearances from five college deans and each of the candidate’s faculty advisors. The event offered graduates and their families the opportunity to celebrate from near and far, acknowledging the hard work and accolades that accompany the completion of a doctoral degree.
“Today is for you – for you to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishment of obtaining your doctoral degree; to know that your hard work and dedication have paid off,” said Vacha-Haase. “You are now among the small percentage of those privileged to hold a doctorate, and can be appropriately addressed as ‘doctor’.”
Following a welcome from Vacha-Haase, Dr. Tromp joined the celebration with a special message to congratulate the doctoral graduates.
“Part of what is so extraordinary about earning your degree in this moment is you have overcome challenges that no doctoral student has ever had to overcome to complete that degree, so you should be especially proud,” said Dr. Tromp. “While this isn’t a traditional ceremony, the opportunity to come together in this moment and to acknowledge that in this challenging moment, you have still achieved, is such a profound sign of what your future holds for you.”
In addition to these welcoming remarks, the ceremony featured the dean for each honoree’s college and a number of graduate faculty. Thirteen faculty members offered congratulations and individually spoke about the accomplishments of each graduating student who they advised.
While this was a celebration like no other, the virtual event allowed for more than 115 guests – including family, friends, faculty advisors, and university staff to honor and celebrate the doctoral graduates.
“We know you will use your doctoral degree to make a difference in this world. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next,” said Vacha-Haase.
The ceremony was held via Zoom; and a recorded version is now available to watch by visiting the Boise State University YouTube channel. Boise State also is planning an in-person ceremony, when possible, for spring 2020 graduates who wish to participate.
– By Kinzi Poteet