EB
Erika Borslien
  • Class of 2018
  • West Fargo

Erika Dukes of West Fargo, graduated from Concordia University, Nebraska

2018 May 7

Erika Dukes of West Fargo was among nearly 300 students to graduate with May degrees from Concordia University, Nebraska.

Graduates receiving a degree in August 2017 or December 2017 were also invited to participate in the ceremony. Rev. Dr. Robert Rosin of Ballwin, Missouri, presented the commencement address, and Concordia presented additional honorary awards and degrees.

In his commencement address, Rosin talked about giving "Fs" to the graduating class saying, "I'm going to hand out some Fs as you head out the door."

"My first F is for futility, the silliness of expecting a finished world," Rosin said. "It's futile to think you know what's coming and can orchestrate it. No fretting over what otherwise might be. Instead focus on the problems, challenges, and opportunities at hand," Rosin said.

"Expand your focus to family and friends, but don't just talk shop and don't just live at the shop," Rosin continued. "Firefly is the next F. In Dante's epic poem "The Divine Comedy," in the section of "The Inferno," Dante looks down into the seventh level of hell and sees a host of individual flames floating there in mid-air, each containing a soul in torment. He can't stand the sight so his mind's eye shifts to a shepherd sitting on a hillside, looking down now into a quiet valley with night setting in. There are countless fireflies blinking, flitting here and there, engaged for a moment, and then moving on," Rosin said.

"F for foolish. Not stupid or ignorant, but more a childlike wonder. Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish." Life changes. Each day is new."

"Finally, futility, focus, flow, fun, family, friends, firefly and foolish is the report card. You can pursue them all because of one last F, the most important one: foundation. It has been there throughout this past year in your university's theme from St. Paul in Romans 5: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace."

"Therefore, because of that you have peace beyond the sheepskin you're about to pick up, peace for what comes today and tomorrow as life unfolds and disappears around the bend. The future awaits," Rosin concluded.

Four individuals received honorary degrees or awards during commencement. Those receiving honors include William W. Biggs of Lincoln, Nebraska, the Doctor of Laws; Rev. Dr. Robert Rosin of Ballwin, Missouri, the Doctor of Laws; Cherie Werner of Battle Creek, Nebraska, the Master Educator; and John B. Merz of Puyallup, Washington, the Distinguished Service Award.