We wish all our 2016 Lundquist College of Business graduates a lifetime of success.
Alysia Kezerian "16, an undergraduate business administration major, delivered a stirring message at the University of Oregon commencement ceremony in Matthew Knight Arena on Monday, June 13.
After an accident left her with a shattered L2 vertebrae and the prognosis that she would not walk again, “among the friends and family by my side, was a huge representation from this university," she said.
As she lay in pain, uncertain of her future, she said, “the University of Oregon gave me a place to belong again."
Looking out at the crowd, she described her University of Oregon experience to cheers from her classmates.
“I know that the first place you take your friend from out of town to show them your beautiful Oregon is to Spencer Butte, and I know that the best cheesy grillers on this planet are at Hamilton, and I know that I left my heart in Oregon, and I know that my Ducks will always be my family," said Kezerian.
She added, “We leave with not only a degree from a world-renowned institution, we leave connected. There is something so powerful about this sense of belonging. Even in your most difficult moments, remember: you have the power to be your own inspiration, and no one can take that away from you. You will never truly be alone. That ‘O" encircles us and will for the rest of our lives."