Commencement speakers

By Nikki Robles, Staff Writer -- robles15@up.edu

Meet Masis: 2012 valedictorian

While many seniors are beginning to feel stress over their upcoming graduation, senior Masis Isikbay, who is graduating a year early, has an added task to perform before he can receive his diploma: give a speech in front of the entire graduating class of 2012 and their families.

Isikbay, a biology major and the University Scholar for the College of Arts and Sciences, is the 2012 University of Portland valedictorian.

"I feel very flattered, very humbled, very honored to be valedictorian," Isikbay said.

The valedictorian is chosen from a pool of University Scholars, students who have done exceptionally well throughout their years at the University of Portland. However, grades are not the only thing taken into consideration when selecting the valedictorian.

"In addition to a strong academic record, extracurricular activities are important," Isikbay said. "Being well rounded is important because you're in a position to represent the whole class."

While Isikbay's GPA is not a 4.0, it comes close at a 3.98.

"I did have one A minus," Isikbay said. "My mentality was not to work towards a grade, so much to work towards the pursuit of knowledge especially with the things I was interested in."

Isikbay, who is also a resident assistant for Villa Maria Hall, believes the main reason he was picked to be valedictorian was because of the scientific research he has conducted and presented in conferences.

"I think a big reason that I was chosen was through my undergraduate research experience and having the opportunity to go up and give a presentation in front of other people," Isikbay said.

Isikbay attributes his academic achievements to the University of Portland and his family.

"I have to give credit to University of Portland and the faculty members that have been around me," Isikbay said. "I don't think any of this would have been possible had I not had the support system that I had. Of course, my family, my mother, father and brother as well."

Freshman Jeff Sullivan, a resident of Villa Maria, wasn't shocked when he learned that his RA is the valedictorian.

"The way he approaches us and the dialogues he has with us is very intellectual and you can tell you know what he's talking about and you know what he's thinking," Sullivan said. "To me it comes as no surprise. He's a really smart guy and he's really friendly so I'm happy for him."

As for the future, Isikbay hopes to conduct more research.

"After graduation, I want to pick up a lab technician position perhaps at OHSU (Oregon Health and Science University)," Isikbay said." I plan to work at least for two years in that environment and really see what it's like to be in the next level when it comes to research."

Isikbay is also considering graduate school.

"I also want to take a few standardized exams like the GRE and MCAT," Masis said. "Ultimately, I think I will probably apply to a few graduate programs."

 

Fr. Tyson: Graduate commencement speaker

Fr. David T. Tyson, will return to The Bluff on May 5 as the commencement speaker for UP's graduate school program.

Tyson graduated from Notre Dame and served as president for the University of Portland from 1990 until 2003. He is currently the Provincial Superior of the United States Province of Priests and Brothers.

Provost Br. Donald Stabrowski said the University of Portland selects commencement speakers based on their leadership.

"The commencement speakers are chosen by the President of the University and Officers and are individuals who are receiving honorary degrees or the Christus Magister Medal - the highest award the University bestows on someone who has made major contributions to the betterment of society, and especially those who model the values of the University of Portland," Stabrowski said in an email.

In addition to giving a speech, Tyson will receive the honorary medal during the commencement ceremony for his contribution to Catholic higher education.

The graduate school commencement, which honors Master's and Doctoral candidates, will be in the Chiles Center at 1 p.m. on May 5.

 

Lou Holtz: Undergraduate commencement speaker

Graduating Pilots can expect a game-winning speech at the University of Portland's undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 6.

Former football coach Lou Holtz will deliver the motivational speech in the Chiles Center as seniors bid farewell to the University on May 6.

Holtz coached at the College of William and Mary, North Carolina State, University of Arkansas, University of Minnesota, University of South Carolina and Notre Dame.

He has led five universities to championships throughout his career. He is most noted for overseeing Notre Dame's Fighting Irish during their national championship win in 1988.

"(Holtz) has given his life to higher education in the coaching profession," Provost Br. Donald Stabrowski said in an email.

Holtz has most recently worked as an analyst for ESPN and is the author of 10 books. He has given numerous motivational speeches and previously spoke at Trine University's graduation ceremony in Angola, Ind.

Associate Director of University Events Billy McWood believes the committee chose Holtz because of his legacy with football and his experience with giving speeches.

"He's won all these national championships and he's an ESPN analyst," McWood said. "He's someone who's in the limelight."

Senior Kurt Berning is excited to see Holtz at graduation.

"My grandma was a big Notre Dame fan and she babysat me every weekend. Every Saturday we would watch Notre Dame games together when he was coach," Berning said. "I'm a big fan. I'm excited for it. I don't know about him as a speaker, but the fact that he's here is kind of cool."