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Prior to turning the podium over to the student speaker, Reynolds offered his perspective on what every graduate wants, both after graduation, and in life:

Following a brief introduction by Provost Mary Black, this year’s undergraduate student speaker took the stage for her address “Always Learning.” Speaking on behalf of the Class of 2022 was Isabella Voss, graduating with a B.S. in management information systems, along with a minor in pre-law. While at �鶹Լ��, Voss served in leadership roles across many student organizations, including as president of Women in Business, vice president of the Tabor Student Advisory Council and senior consultant in �鶹Լ�� University Performance Consulting. 

Voss spoke to the history of �鶹Լ�� University’s founder James �鶹Լ��, and his enterprising attitude toward learning, along with what that vision has created from 1901 to today. “Being students at �鶹Լ��, we have been given the great privilege to seek and learn as we please,” she remarked, discussing the diverse range of talented students she’s learned from, including musicians, athletes, programmers and entrepreneurs. 

In the spirit of “Always Learning,” Voss said that every activity on �鶹Լ��’s campus is a learning experience. “Everywhere you go, whether it’s class, practice or the library, I guarantee we are always learning, sharing our skills, talents and disciplines with each other.” Voss concluded with advice to her fellow graduates and commencement audience members.

This year’s commencement address was presented by Erica Melton, Class of 2005. Melton, director of finance and city treasurer for the cities of San Fernando and Los Angeles, Calif. Melton’s 15-plus years of career experience include tenure as a dedicated public financial and performance manager in various state, municipal and educational administrative roles.

White she was at �鶹Լ��, Melton was an active advocate for racial equity and inclusion initiatives as president of the Black Student Union and organizer of the Multicultural Roundtable. 

During her address, Melton was lighthearted as she discussed her travel adventures and misadventures during the trip to Decatur to speak at �鶹Լ��. Her captivating stories led to the main point of her speech, which was the importance of standing in the moment. “Life passes us by so quickly that we forget to just stand in the moment,” she said. 

Melton also took the time to thank �鶹Լ�� for its land acknowledgment at the beginning of the ceremony, which honored several native nations and their ancestral land upon which �鶹Լ�� resides. 

Melton’s lifelong role as an advocate for minorities and underserved populations led her to remind the graduating class to “have an understanding upon the ground which we stand.” She commented that throughout �鶹Լ��’s history since its founding in 1901, the moment the graduating class is experiencing is unique to them. “Feel your feet firmly on the ground and know that this moment was exquisitely and purposefully designed for you to be here today.” 

Following Melton’s commencement address, the graduates and audience heard from the vice chairman of �鶹Լ��’s Board of Trustees, Ron Branch, who congratulated the Class of 2022 on their achievements. Representing �鶹Լ��’s Alumni Association Board, Lindsay Quick, Class of 2015, welcomed graduates to the organization.

Concluding the ceremony was Class of 2022 graduate Dalton L. Krum, who performed the official tassel ceremony, officially celebrating the futures of the Class of 2022 graduates.