TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– Hundreds of families celebrated a day years in the making as Indiana State hosted its 2022 winter commencement ceremony at the Hulman Center on Saturday.
Over 500 students received their undergraduate degrees. Nursing graduate Dahnie Bridge said it’s something she’s been looking forward to since she was a kid.
“I’ve wanted to be a part of the medical field since I was a baby, I would say,” she said. “So this is a big accomplishment for me because I never really thought I would get here to be honest with you.”
Sports management major Michael Oswald said the nerves intensified as the day came closer.
“I couldn’t sleep the night before. It was always on my mind making sure everything is ready and whatnot,” he said.
Several speakers addressed the crowd, including ISU President Deborah Curtis. Bridge said she was excited to celebrate with friends and family who have supported her for years.
“I’m just beyond overwhelmed,” Bridge said. “My dad died when I was little so this is for him. I’m doing everything for him, for my family who has supported me from the beginning. I don’t even have words to explain how excited I am.”
Many of the graduates also had to overcome the unique challenge presented by the pandemic, which forced many classes online for a large part of their college careers. Oswald said overcoming just helped make Saturday that much more special.
“It was a challenge, but obviously I overcame it, so here I am,” he said.
Now, the students are facing the next step in their journeys. Bridge said she hopes to work in the emergency service department in her hometown of Chicago. Oswald said he’s preparing for the job search.
“[It’s time to] get a big boy job. I don’t know what it is, but I’ll get one soon,” he said.
