he Truman Alumni Association - Alumni - Truman State University

A view from the platform at Stokes Stadium.
More than 1,100 undergraduate and graduate
students participated in Spring Commencement
on May 8 in Stokes Stadium. Former University
President Charles J. McClain delivered the
commencement address and was presented with
an honorary doctor of humane letters. In his
speech, McClain encouraged the graduates to
find work that fits their passion. “To be
excellent in your work you must match your
work with your passion, otherwise you will be
threshing around trying to carve satisfaction out
of dissatisfaction,” said McClain. “Find what
you love to do and go for it!”
Spring valedictorians posed on the Quadrangle with the statue of Joseph Baldwin, founder of the University.
McClain has been called a higher-education
legend in the state of Missouri. His presidency
at the University spanned nearly 20 years, from
1970 to 1989, and his vision and leadership
helped the school refocus its mission,
transforming it into Missouri’s only highly
selective, public liberal arts and sciences
university. After he retired from the University,
Truman’s administrative building was re-named
in honor of McClain.
Left: Former University President Charles J.
McClain gave the Commencement address and
was also presented with an honorary degree.
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