Columbia Southern University welcomed a record-breaking 1,200 graduates from across the globe on Friday, Oct. 17, for its annual commencement ceremonies at the Foley Event Center at OWA.

The total surpasses last year’s 993 graduates, marking the largest graduating class in university history according to a news release.

To accommodate graduates and their families, the university held two ceremonies. Among this year’s graduates were 16 CSU faculty and staff members. Several members of the CSU Board of Trustees, along with the university president, faculty and staff, attended the events.

University President Dr. Ken Styron reminded graduates of the vital role support networks play in academic success.

“You didn’t have to do it alone. Your family, friends and loved ones cheered you from afar. To the family and friends of the graduates today, this is your day, too. Because when a CSU student earns their diploma, the whole family earns it,” he said.

This year’s graduates included a father and son who traveled from Minneapolis to cross the stage together. Thomas Dippel earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology – mental health, while his father, Ronald Dippel, received a Doctor of Business Administration. Thomas said his grandmother inspired him to complete his degree.

“In 2020, before she passed away… I told her my one promise to her is I would finish school because to her, education was such a huge thing, and she just wanted to see me achieve. So, I told her, 'You know what, I’m applying to a college and I’m going to finish school for you,' ” he said.

The ceremonies featured internationally acclaimed author Rick Rigsby as the keynote speaker. Rigsby, a former chaplain and life skills coach for the Aggies football team, received a standing ovation for his message encouraging graduates to make a positive impact in the world.

“The goal in life is to put yourself in a position where you can help other people,” he said. Rigsby also emphasized the value of mastering the fundamentals.

“Rarely does the best team win. The team that wins most executes the basics. Champions are champions not because they do extraordinary things, but because they do ordinary things better than anyone else,” he added.