Another crop of our students are about to become proud alumni, as some 549 of them are expected to complete degrees next month, including 445 who will receive bachelor's degrees, and 104 who will receive master's or education specialist degrees.

This is an important occasion for our students and their families. My thanks to those faculty and staff who will participate in the Commencement ceremony Friday, Dec. 14.

Our keynote speaker for the ceremony will be Bob Hansen, the president and CEO of Dow Corning.

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Our men’s soccer team continues its impressive and dramatic run. Senior Zach Myers (who also happens to be one of our academic peer advisors) scored the game-winning goal in the final minute of double-overtime Sunday to defeat Northeastern State. The Cardinals also beat Rockhurst Friday. With the victories, SVSU travels to Georgia to meet Simon Fraser University – who earlier this year became the first Canadian institution accepted into the NCAA – in the national semifinals. These are incredible experiences for our students. Our best wishes go with them.

Our women’s cross country team completed its fine season Saturday, finishing 12th at the NCAA national meet in Joplin, Mo. Runners Lauren Hill and Emily Short each finished in the top 20 and captured All-American honors.

As we embark upon the holiday season, Cindy and I wish for you a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and hope you will be with those you love most. For those of you who are traveling, travel safely.