Shreveport Graduation Ceremony: Celebrating Achievements and Overcoming Challenges
SHREVEPORT – On a lively Friday morning, Brookshire Grocery Arena was buzzing with excitement as family and friends gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of 1,238 graduates from Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS). Among the sea of caps and gowns, one story stood out—Chloe Boudreaux’s journey, which began in the charming town of Vacherie, Louisiana.
A Journey Cut Short by a Hurricane
Chloe, a dedicated Pre-K teacher, faced unexpected challenges as her family had to hit the road a bit earlier than planned to avoid Hurricane Francine. “We spent the last day moving all of the desks and all of our stuff away from windows,” she shared. “We left a day early on Wednesday just to make sure we weren’t traveling in the weather.” As they strolled down the heart of LSUS’s campus, her two-year-old son Langston beamed from his stroller, while her husband proudly pushed along.
Graduating with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, Chloe expressed her ambitions for the future. “I’ll probably stay in Pre-K for another year or two before pursuing an administration position, like an assistant principal,” she calmly noted.
Family and Community Support Shine Bright
The presence of family was evident throughout the ceremony. For Connecticut native Caroline Steadham, graduation held a dual significance. She and her sister, Elizabeth, pursued their Master of Business Administration degrees and discovered LSUS through online research. “We were looking for fully online programs that were AACSB accredited,” Caroline explained, appreciating how the community feel of the online program made her experience more enriching and engaging.
Meanwhile, two Nigerian doctors, Chibuike Amuzie and Ogbonna Chikere, also celebrated their new titles in public health. Amuzie found LSUS through social media back home and appreciated the chance to meet fellow Nigerians. “This would be a great opportunity to be around people from all kinds of different backgrounds while feeling like I had family there as well,” he said, emphasizing the power of connection amid his academic pursuits.
Veteran Coaches and Aspiring Leaders
With 26 years of coaching under his belt, Curtis Evans marked a new chapter by walking across the stage to collect his master’s in education. “It’s time for me to look into leadership positions,” he remarked, reflecting on how coaching has prepared him for this next step.
Another inspiring story came from Deirdra Blalock, who took ten years to complete her bachelor’s in psychology before aiming for a master’s in counseling. With plans to earn a doctorate in forensic psychology, she emphasized the importance of enjoying individual journeys—an inspiring reminder to all graduates that their timelines are unique.
Trusting the Journey
Commencement speaker K.C. Kilpatrick Baird shared her own academic journey, which had “stops and starts,” including a rough start at a different college. “I was able to put down roots at LSUS,” she explained, crediting the supportive professors who helped her rebuild her confidence. Her story was a testament to resilience and growth that resonated with many in the audience.
Crystal Charles, another educator celebrating her success, is now focusing on special education. “What was most important to me is that I needed the online program to be flexible and accelerated but would still give me opportunities to interact with professors,” she noted, highlighting the collaborative environment LSUS provided.
Setting New Goals
Career advancement was on the minds of many. Sergio Vasquez from Texas and Amber Isbill from Nevada illustrated the drive for better opportunities. Vasquez, who completed his MBA in finance, expressed excitement about promoting to a director role, while Isbill shared her passion for entrepreneurship in makeup. “I wanted to learn everything about running my own business,” she said, setting her sights on future certifications and a doctorate.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Determination
As the ceremony came to a close, it was clear that graduation was not just an end but a starting point for new adventures, dreams, and ambitions. With a resilient spirit, these graduates continue to embrace the future armed with knowledge, skills, and the unwavering support of their loved ones.
