October is a very special month for CSU because it is when we hold our Commencement Ceremony each year. This year’s event is set for Oct. 24 for Open House and Oct. 25 for Commencement.
We are so excited to have more than 500 graduates and 2,500 family and friends attending this year. To all the graduates, whether you’re attending the ceremony or not, I speak for all of us at CSU when I say we are excited and honored that you have chosen CSU to guide you in your quest for educational success.
We are really looking forward to meeting so many of you and your families and friends at the Open House and Graduation.
Graduates and their families will be traveling from all over the world and all across the United States. The event will be available via U-Stream for those who cannot be with us in person.
We urge graduates to please plan to attend the Open House from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday. The CSU staff, faculty and I are eager to meet and chat with you and hear your stories of success. We will offer tours of our facility and refreshments during the Open House, so please come and enjoy some Southern hospitality.
Immediately afterward, you should make plans to attend the CSU Alumni Association reception at the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion at 5 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to network, socialize with your classmates and learn more about the alumni association.
Then, Friday: It’s the big day! The Graduation ceremony promises to be memorable. We look forward to the company of our adjunct faculty from various states, members of the CSU Board of Trustees, Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon and other noted guests. Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Bob Alsop, president of Waldorf College, who will bring a thought-provoking message sure to inspire.
On another note, many of you, including those in the armed forces, are being affected by the government shutdown. It is our hope, as it is yours that this ends as soon as possible. It was not long ago, the sequestration had similar affects. As with all storms, this event will pass and hopefully it will be sooner rather than later. In the meantime, CSU staff members are available to discuss your situation and assist.
I look forward to seeing many of you soon.
God Bless,
Robert Mayes
President