Cheering loudly after having degrees conferred upon them, 148 graduates at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s winter commencement accepted applause and hurrahs from hundreds of family members and friends during morning ceremonies at the Prescott Valley Event Center on Dec. 13.
ERAU Chancellor Frank Ayers congratulated the two associate, 126 baccalaureate, and 20 master’s degree recipients, saying, “You are among the best and the brightest of any university graduating class in the state of Arizona.”
Noted during the ceremonies was that the investment ERAU-Prescott graduates make in their university education yields exceptional career and financial opportunities.
That statement was underscored recently when Affordable Colleges Online named ERAU’s Prescott campus as one of the top one percent of private colleges that give graduates tremendous economic employment advantages – return on investment, or ROI.
The commencement speaker, David L. Robertson, praised the graduates, telling them they were limited only if they “…didn’t learn from their mistakes.”
Robertson is a member of the ERAU board of trustees. He was a professional pilot for more than 30 years with domestic and international airlines. He serves on several aeronautical advisory boards and organizations. He and his wife are team owners of the prestigious Robertson Racing Team, which races in sport car events internationally.
Robertson also encouraged graduates to be responsible citizens and help others. “You need to have fun – but behave yourselves.”
In ceremonies beyond conferral of degrees, eight ERAU graduates were commissioned as second lieutenants – seven in the U.S. Air Force and one in the U.S. Army.
Classes resume Jan. 7, with orientation and registration taking place Jan. 6. QCBN
By Ray Newton
Quad Cities Business News
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