Graduation commences

Staff writer

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After seven years of school, Judy Crockett is ready to go to work. Getting her master of business administrations, Crockett will be working as a certified public accountant.

Crockett graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with 561 students on Saturday at a packed Greyhound Arena. This was the largest class of graduates in ENMU history, according to ENMU President Steven Gamble.link Joshua Lucero: Staff photo

ENMU graduate J.T. Keith shakes hands with College of Fine Arts dean Joseph Kline after accepting his diploma during the spring 2014 ENMU graduation ceremony Saturday morning at Greyhound Arena.

“I am really happy and I can’t wait to start working,” said Crockett, who was with her son and husband.

Crockett and the other graduates of 2014 were treated to a commencement speech by Maj. Gen. Dempsey Kee, an ENMU alumni.

Kee discussed his time at ENMU, his career and leadership. Kee gave advice on how to be a leader, like to lead from the front and leadership is hard.

“It looks easy from a book, but it is difficult in real life,” Kee said.

Kee was honest about the job market being small and how it will be hard for the graduates to get jobs.

“It is going to be tough. Just keep networking, giving out your resume and stay positive,” Kee said.

With a large applause, Kee ended his speech and the ENMU students were handed their diplomas.

For Roberta Olson, seeing her son Vincent Romano get his degree in music was a proud moment for her.

“I am so proud of him and I am so happy to see him get his degree. I can’t wait for what is next for him,” said Olson, hugging her son.

Romano also sung the national anthem and the school song at the ceremony.

Romano is prepping for auditions, as he wants to be a singer, but for right now he had the simpler goals of food and rest.

“I feel tired and hungry, but I am excited that I graduated,” said Romano with a smile.

The graduates were treated to a reception after the ceremony where they got to talk with other graduates, enjoy refreshments and meet Vic and Tory, the two greyhound mascots.

“I am ready for what is next,” Romano said, “and happy to have graduated.”