U.S. Rep. Tom Cole addresses Southeastern graduates

Press Release Date: 05-17-2010

DURANT, Okla. – U.S. Representative Tom Cole urged graduates to take advantage of future opportunities, but at the same time, to expect adversity during their lifetimes. Cole was the keynote speaker at Saturday’s spring commencement exercises at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

Quoting such philosophers as Will Rogers and cowboy poet Baxter Black, Cole told the graduates "you’re going to have enormous opportunities in front of you." He added that if the students don’t take advantage of such opportunities, "when you get older, you’ll look back and regret not taking advantage of those opportunities."

When dealing with adversity, Cole advised students to "get back up" and face those challenges.

Cole became the Representative for Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional

District in January 2003. He is a fifth-generation Oklahoman and an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation. Before serving in the U.S. Congress, he served Oklahoma as a State Senator and Secretary of State.

Also offering congratulatory remarks to the graduates were Southeastern president Larry Minks, State Regent John Massey, and Regional University System of Oklahoma Regent Terry Matlock. Mary Kathryn Hodge, president of the SE Alumni Association, welcomed the graduates into that association.

Due to the high probability of thunderstorms in the Durant area Saturday, two ceremonies were held in Bloomer Sullivan Arena instead of one event at Paul Laird Field.

In the 10 a.m. ceremony, degrees were awarded in the School of Arts & Sciences, John Massey School of Business, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science (Aviation), Master of Technology, and Master of Science (Safety).

At the 1 p.m. ceremony, degrees were awarded in the School of Education & Behavioral Sciences, Master of Behavioral Studies, and Master of Education.

A reception for the graduates and their families was held in between the two ceremonies in the Visual & Performing Arts Center.