U.S. Sen. John Cornyn to offer commencement address

SFA to graduate largest class in university history

As Stephen F. Austin State University prepares to celebrate its 95th anniversary, it will graduate the largest class in university history with more than 1,500 candidates. Approximately 1,190 students will receive their bachelor’s degrees, and 335 students will receive their graduate degrees during this historic occasion.

Two ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday, May 12, in Johnson Coliseum with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn offering the commencement address.

Cornyn has served the people of Texas for the past three decades, first as a district judge and later as a member of the Texas Supreme Court before being elected as Texas attorney general. He received his undergraduate degree from Trinity University, his law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law and his Master of Laws from the University of Virginia School of Law.

In 2014, Cornyn was re-elected for his third term in the U.S. Senate. Since he was first elected in 2002, Cornyn has earned a national reputation as a powerful voice for Texas and conservative values in Washington. A San Antonio native, he has been an advocate for Texas military personnel, veterans and their families, and he has fought to provide them with the best possible support, care and benefits. He also has been a consistent leader in promoting innovation, research and education initiatives at all levels.

In addition to serving on the Senate Finance, Intelligence and Judiciary Committees, Cornyn serves as the majority whip, a position that gives Texas a powerful seat at Congress’ leadership table. In this role, he serves as an assistant to the floor leaders and as chief vote counter for Senate Republicans.

Candidates from SFA’s James I. Perkins College of Education and the College of Fine Arts will participate in a 9:30 a.m. ceremony. Candidates from the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture, the Rusche College of Business, the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, and the College of Sciences and Mathematics will participate in a 2 p.m. ceremony.

An estimated 1,528 degrees will be awarded, including 1,193 bachelor’s, 328 master’s and seven doctoral degrees. Almost 400 students will graduate with honors, including 139 cum laude, 135 magna cum laude and 109 summa cum laude. Sixty-three students will graduate with the university scholar designation. One degree will be awarded posthumously.

Master’s and doctoral candidates will graduate with their respective colleges.

By Kasi Dickerson, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.