Indiana University Kokomo’s first graduating class was made up of 20 students who earned their associate degrees in nursing, in 1969.

Tuesday, IU Kokomo awarded its last associate degrees in nursing, to 109 students. The university also had its largest class of students earning bachelor’s degrees in nursing, with 81 awarded. It also awarded its first bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education and medical imaging, and its first master’s degrees in public management.

Chancellor Ruth Person said the phasing out of the associate of nursing program and the awarding of new bachelor’s and master’s degrees reflects IU Kokomo’s goal of “becoming a full baccalaureate institution.”

She said once again, the university set a graduation record, with 541 students earning degrees. Person said about 60 percent of the graduates participated in the commencement ceremony.

Click here to see the IUK Graduation slide show




Sunny skies prevailed for the morning ceremony, held in the parking lot east of the Kelley Student Center. Black-robed graduates processed to their seats to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” played by the Indiana University Brass Quintet. Proud family members cheered when they caught the first glimpse of their graduate, and one business graduate earned an enthusiastic thumbs-up from one of his family members, while another of his supporters quickly snapped a picture.

Another family rang a bell when they spotted their graduate. Others stood on chairs for a better view of the Class of 2008.

Student body president Chad Andrews, who received his degree in English, spoke on behalf of his class urging the graduates to use their education to make the world a better place.

“You are all the more empowered today because of your education at Indiana University Kokomo. The question today is, will you invest it or will you squander it?”

Indiana University President Michael McRobbie also addressed the graduates about the value of being engaged in the civic life of this country.

McRobbie said as Indiana University students, the graduates have forged friendships, broadened and deepened their knowledge and honed their abilities in argument and reasoning and have developed flexibility of mind and skills. These skills, he said, are the foundation upon which to build in coming years, leading to lives of more meaning and habits of engagement in public life.

“This is the foundation upon which our democracy depends. But our participatory government takes more than educated people and general interest to work, more even than the casting of ballots, as so many are doing today. It takes people who are truly and deeply engaged in the lives of their communities. It takes action, passion and hope. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, ‘we must be able to show people that democracy is not words, but actions.’”

He said the graduates have shown courage in working toward their degrees and achieve their dreams, and urged them to use their courage to make a difference.

“As you move into a future of ever-growing ambition and ever-higher accomplishments, use your power of action and change to deepen your commitment, heighten your passion and strengthen your courage.”

Finally, it was the moment the graduates — and their families — had anticipated. It was time to award degrees.

Vice-chancellor Jack Tharp read each graduates’ name as he or she crossed the stage to accept his or her diploma and shake hands with Person, McRobbie and other university dignitaries.

One enthusiastic family blew an air horn when its graduate crossed the stage, drawing laughter from the crowd. Small children held on shoulders to see cheered as their parents earned degrees, and one graduate did a happy dance back down the aisle to her seat, diploma in hand.

Courtney Bozarth, of Wabash, and Vanessa Dotson of Rossville, who both earned Master of Business Arts degrees, both said it was “a great relief” to be done with their classes.

“It’s like pressure has been lifted from you,” Dotson said.

Dinita Grady, of Walton, was thrilled to have completed her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She’s busy applying for jobs now.

“I want to do what I’m trained to do. ... There were times I thought I wouldn’t make it, but I did.”

Tim Killian, of Kokomo, who earned an associate degree in radiography, is among the graduates who has already found a job. He’s going to work for Tipton County Hospital, and plans to be back at IU Kokomo this fall to start work on a bachelor’s degree in medical imaging technology.

He took a buyout from Chrysler after working there 10 years, and enrolled at IU Kokomo to start a new career.

“It feels really, really good. It’s been a long, hard road.”

Danielle Rush may be reached at (765) 454-8585 or via e-mail at

danielle.rush@kokomotribune.com