Commencement has come and gone again. Commencement, without question, is my favorite event of the academic year. So many goals are realized on that day. So many traditions culminate as the seniors exit the gymnasium and place a daisy in the basket. Symbolically, this is the daisy they received when they signed the Cottey book at Opening Convocation and pledged support of the Honor Code and allegiance to the values of the Cottey educational community. The two years have gone quickly, but the life-change that many of these young women have experienced has progressed slowly and steadily throughout the two years. Those of us who observe the growth and development of our students are literally amazed by how they are transformed by their two years at Cottey, by what they accomplish in the short time they are here. We know without question the value of their education in a College for women.

I am extremely proud that a Cottey student has again earned a Jack Kent Cooke scholarship. Last year I was invited to be a reviewer for the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship competition; therefore, I know from firsthand experience that the quality of the candidates’ applications is extremely high. I have worked closely with our Jack Kent Cooke scholarship recipient, Veselina Hristova, who was Student Government Association President and a fourth-level leadership student. Therefore, I know from firsthand experience that she was an exceptional young woman. I am delighted that she has been recognized and given the opportunities that the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship provides. It is remarkable that Cottey has had four consecutive Jack Kent Cooke scholars. This is a national recognition of the quality of the Cottey educational experience. Many of our students earn scholarships from prestigious colleges and universities to support their transfer.

I also know that many of these Cottey graduates have grown in their commitment to community and civic responsibility. Our students have contributed a remarkable number of volunteer service hours. Cottey averages 67 percent active involvement in service activities. This compares to a national average among college students of a simple 41 percent. Many have volunteered for over 250 hours and some have volunteered over 500 hours. These students will be recognized by a Presidential Volunteer Service Award based on their involvement in the community, both locally and globally.
Our graduates have grown in discovering their leadership style and in finding opportunities to practice their leadership skills. A record seventy-six students participated in the Leadership, Experiences, Opportunity (LEO) program this year. Sixteen graduates completed all four levels of the program. The LEO program is just one of several ways in which students discover and practice their leadership during their two years at Cottey.

The achievements of our students challenge us to provide the very best learning opportunities for them. We already review and revise our current curriculum regularly. But Cottey must also explore new educational offerings, new degrees created with excellence and distinction, degrees that will maintain Cottey’s reputation. To this end, at the January meeting of the board, the trustees expressed a strong desire for the College to offer selected baccalaureate programs. They requested a plan that would include the exploration of new disciplines and new degree offerings. A subcommittee of the planning committee is currently working with faculty to determine what these new degree programs should be to best serve the future needs and interests of our students and to ensure the continued growth and distinction of the College. Numerous possibilities will be explored over the next year to learn how to wisely enhance the Cottey experience for the future. As our students change, we also must change to meet their needs, support their dreams, and challenge them to amazing accomplishments.

I had the pleasure recently of meeting a woman who believes passionately in the importance of educating women. I attended the Missouri State P.E.O. convention and was listening carefully to the invocation being delivered by a past Missouri State President, a woman whom I had not met. As I listened to her words asking for support of the mission of the P.E.O. Sisterhood to provide education for women, I recognized her fervent belief in the power of women to make a difference in our troubled world. Later that day, I met Jean Cantwell, and we talked more of our common interests.
Her inspiring article appears in this Viewpoint.