The Class of 2023 was celebrated with commencement activities across Manhattan this past weekend.
At Kansas State University, more than 2,100 bachelor’s degrees were awarded along with more than 500 master’s and over 90 doctorate degrees. Among the notable speakers Saturday was K-State alum and retiring USD 383 Superintendent Marvin Wade, providing advice to College of Education graduates.
“My first bid of advice is to spend time contemplating your core beliefs. Not just about education, but about what is most important in life. Research shows people who know their beliefs and who live in accordance with those beliefs, have healthier, happier and longer lives,” he said.
Dr. Wade also encouraged future educators to value the importance of relationships.
“Strive to get along with people. Be genuine. Respect opinions. Treat others with kindness. Be willing to apologize if you make a mistake,” he said.
Wade was the recent recipient of the College’s Dan and Cheryl Yunk Award for Excellence in Educational Administration. He also delivered remarks at the Manhattan Area Technical College graduation Saturday as well as the Manhattan High School graduation Sunday.
K-State English Professor and current Kansas Poet Laureate Traci Brimhall delivered remarks to the College of Arts and Sciences Saturday, stating her best advice is to ask the best questions.
“Scientist and vaccine creator Jonas Salk said ‘what people think of as the moment of discovery is the discovery of the question.’ This is what has always united both the arts and the sciences — standing with one foot in the known and one foot in the unknown,” she said.
Brimhall encouraged graduates to live everything, including the questions, to hopefully one day gradually live into the answers to those questions.
“Be patient toward all that is still unsolved in your heart. Don’t just tolerate the unknowns, but try to embrace them. Stay curious. Ask good questions,” she said.
