Delegate Yost tells graduates to 'remain steadfast'

President Penelope W. Kyle conferred degrees on nearly 1,300 undergraduate and graduate students at RU's 2013 Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 11. The keynote speaker was Joseph Yost '06, M.A. '08, who represents the 12th District in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Yost said he was honored by Kyle's offer to address the Class of 2013. He told the graduates that some of his fondest memories are from his time on campus and that their accomplishments while at the university make him optimistic for the future.

"As soon-to-be alumni, I hope all of you will maintain a lifelong commitment to the lessons you learned here and also the four values I put above all else: scholarship, character, leadership and service," Yost said. He encouraged the graduates to "remain steadfast in your drive to better your community, your family as well as your state and your country, but also yourself."

This year's spring graduates represented 108 cities and counties in Virginia, 25 states and nine countries. Among the degrees awarded were more than 200 master's and doctoral degrees. Individuals in the fields of science, technology, mathematics and health made up 29 percent of the graduates. The most undergraduate degrees—114—were awarded to interdisciplinary studies majors in the College of Education and Human Development. The College of Graduate and Professional Studies held its hooding ceremony on the evening before undergraduate commencement. Faculty mentors presented academic hoods to students earning master's degrees, and six students received doctoral degrees, three each in nursing practice and psychology.

See photos from 2013 Spring Commencement on Facebook.