My grandfather used to say that an education is something no one can ever take away from you. I have found these words to be true. A University of Idaho degree is a valuable asset that has served me well throughout my life. I never thought I’d end up in New York or travel to all corners of the world working for global law firms. Your career can take you surprising places if you let it. That’s the power of a Vandal degree, something we’ll celebrate Saturday during Winter Commencement in Moscow. More than 600 students will graduate this semester and join the ranks of Vandal alumni as we mark the 125th commencement year at U of I. This winter’s graduates have shown they are well-prepared to enter the workforce and navigate their own path. Graduate Jessica Matsaw of Pocatello found that opportunity right here in Idaho. Jessica is a member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and is earning her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. She’s served as a student-teacher this semester in Fort Hall and has a job lined up to put her degree to use educating Shoshone-Bannock students. She’s already a Vandal alumna. Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology two years ago as a member of our Indigenous Knowledge for Effective Education Program – or IKEEP. IKEEP students learn the best ways to elevate Native American communities through education. This kind of education and outreach is the reason we’re all here. Jessica is preparing the future leaders of our state as a teacher with a Vandal degree as her blueprint. A story like Jessica’s is behind each of the 444 bachelor’s degrees, 132 master’s degrees, 22 doctoral degrees, nine law degrees and five specialist degrees U of I is conferring this semester. Some of our graduates will stay close to home. Some will end up in remote areas of our world. All will end up doing things they’ve never imagined. This is an exciting moment for our graduates. It’s a time for them to take some risks, to work hard, to make a difference. They’ve always got their U of I degree and the Vandal network to boost them up. Join me in congratulating these graduates. They are the newest ambassadors for our Vandal Family. We’ll be cheering them on as they tell their story. |