Pitt State celebrates 300 students with AA degrees Tuesday

On Tuesday, Pittsburg State University celebrated more than 300 Pitt State students who reached an important milestone, earning their Associate of Arts degree, with a ceremony held at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts.

Earlier this year, Pitt State became the first Kansas institution to automatically award AA degrees as they are earned. The degree protects each student's investment, provides a valuable credential, and serves as the halfway point on their path to a Bachelor's degree.

At the first ceremony in February, more than 1,000 students were awarded their AA degrees, with President Dan Shipp encouraging them to set their sights on their next goal.

"Think about what it's going to take now to get to the finish line for your Bachelor's degree, and let's commit to each other that we're going to get there," he said.

Tuesday's event celebrated the 300 Pitt State students who automatically earned their Associate of Arts degree during Spring and Summer semesters.

In her address to students, Provost and Vice President Susan Bon, a first-generation college graduate, noted that college degrees come with greater access to job opportunities, the potential to earn higher salaries, and a sense of accomplishment.

She encouraged students to continue to hone their skills, keep working at learning to how to manage their personal and academic lives, and to not let challenges that arise derail them.

"As you sit here, with two years under your belt, you've already proven you can do it," she said. "Please remember at this stage in your education journey, this is your halfway mark, you still have a ways to go, but you have the ability to do it."

All students honored at the celebration received a cord to wear in a Commencement ceremony when they receive their Bachelor's degree. The ceremony was followed by a reception in the lobby with Shipp, Bon, and proud families, friends, and Pitt State faculty and staff.