HPU Graduates Awarded Degrees at December Commencement
High Point University > Academic Innovation > Events
Dec 19th, 2023

HPU Graduates Awarded Degrees at December Commencement

Academic Innovation
Extraordinary Education
News
Press Releases

HPU President Nido Qubein encourages more than 130 graduates and their families at the Dec. 15 Commencement Ceremony in the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center.

HIGH POINT, N.C., Dec. 19, 2023 – High Point University honored more than 130 graduates from the Class of 2023 who crossed the stage on Dec. 15 to receive their bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degrees at the December Graduation Ceremony.

HPU President Nido Qubein said he knew parents, friends and family members felt proud as they gathered inside the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena and Conference Center to celebrate the newest graduates.

Saige Henderson, a social media & digital communication and advertising, public relations and strategic communication major from Vergennes, Vermont, shakes hands with Qubein as she receives her degree.
Saige Henderson, a social media & digital communication and advertising, public relations and strategic communication major from Vergennes, Vermont, shakes hands with Qubein as she receives her degree.

“Today is a very special day for these graduates who worked hard, deliberately and diligently to arrive at this point in their life,” said Qubein. “We know you will change the world and make it a better place.”

Qubein said focus is more important than intelligence as he encouraged graduates to keep their focus on service to others. He shared three words for them to keep in mind as they continue their lives:

  • Awareness
  • Judgment
  • Relevance
HPU graduates smile after moving the tassels on their mortarboards to symbolize their graduation.
HPU graduates smile after moving the tassels on their mortarboards to symbolize their graduation.

“Graduates, your life will be empowered as you develop and you show good judgment—making the right decisions and avoiding those that cause troubles,” Qubein said. “You may be finishing the requirements for a degree, but I want to challenge you to think of this as a springboard for the rest of your lives. This is the beginning of the goodness that will come your way. This is no end at all.”

Qubein added the word “commencement” describes the beginning of a new direction in their lives. “When you do good, good will come back to you,” he said.

Clark the bald eagle flies over the audience as the song “You Raise Me Up” is performed by Dr. Marc Foster, chair of HPU’s Music Department.
Clark the bald eagle flies over the audience as the song “You Raise Me Up” is performed by Dr. Marc Foster, chair of HPU’s Music Department.

As is tradition at HPU’s graduation, a bald eagle soared over the graduates at the end of the ceremony to symbolize the ideals of free enterprise, independence and the ability to pursue new opportunities in America. Each graduate received a blanket to share with a parent, grandparent, mentor or someone who made a difference in their life. Graduates also took home a copy of the book, “Our Faithful Transformation,” that depicts the university’s transformative journey since Qubein became president in 2005.