Ball State University held its summer commencement ceremony, the university's 202nd graduation ceremony, July 19 inside Worthen Arena, where graduates crossed the stage in front of family, friends and faculty.
The ceremony, presided over by Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns and Provost Anand R. Marri, recognized students completing their degrees at the conclusion of the summer term.
The keynote speaker, David Taylor Little, associate teaching professor of theatre directing, urged graduates to embrace creativity, emotional honesty and vulnerability, calling the traits "vital" for both personal growth and professional success.
“Buck up, Buttercup. You’re going to have to swallow your medicine,” Little began, referencing familiar phrases often used to dismiss feelings.
Instead of brushing emotions aside, he challenged graduates to listen to them.
“I think that’s all hogwash, bunk, hooey, and other old-timey words for lies,” Little said. “I’m excited to have a little bit of time to tell you why I think it’s of paramount importance to listen to all of your feelings.”
Drawing from his background as a theater artist, Little reflected on a decades-long conversation with his father about the nature of art. He recounted a trip to the Guggenheim Museum in New York City, where the two debated the value of artwork that some might dismiss as simple or replicable.
For Little, the question isn't just “what is art?” but “why is art?” He connected the creative process to research and academic inquiry, suggesting that both stem from a shared human curiosity, a drive to understand the world physically, emotionally and spiritually.
He encouraged graduates to use their vulnerability as a “superpower” in the next chapters of their lives.
“You could also make someone feel needed, seen, wanted or loved, which is just as important,” Little said. “Feel your feelings, allow your vulnerability to inform what you do. It’s one of our greatest superpowers as human beings.”
Following the address, Mearns formally conferred degrees upon the graduates and closed the ceremony by reflecting on the significance of the day.
He reminded graduates that professional success and career fulfillment are not the same.
“People generally equate success with financial rewards, with impressive titles or with notoriety or fame,” Mearns said. “From my experience, you may come to find that they are temporary and hollow. So I encourage you to seek fulfillment — set professional goals that will make you and your families and your friends proud of you.”
Mearns closed by invoking the university’s Beneficence Pledge, encouraging graduates to lead lives of integrity, gratitude and service.
“Life is a precious gift, and you should share that gift with other people who need you,” he said. “Please help us to create a better world, a world that will be more peaceful and more just. All of us here, we believe in that bright future because we believe in you.”
Contact The Ball State Daily News via email at editor@bsudailynews.com.
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