McConnell, Majors Address Spring Commencement
U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and actor Lee Majors, an Eastern Kentucky University graduate, addressed degree candidates at EKU’s spring commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 13.
Two ceremonies honored 1,669 degree candidates – 1,178 bachelor’s degree candidates, 371 master’s degree candidates and 120 associate degree candidates.
McConnell, who addressed degree candidates in the Colleges of Arts & Sciences and Business & Technology in the morning ceremony, talked about the “values of determination, focus and tenacity” he learned from his mother, who helped him overcome polio as a toddler. “The most important word in the English language is ‘focus,’” he said.
He also urged the graduates to remember what EKU, which is celebrating its centennial this year, has done for them. “Every one of you can be a part of (the University’s second century of opportunity) by serving as ambassadors of EKU’s excellence,” McConnell said.
Majors, who grew up in Middlesboro as Harvey Lee Yeary and earned degrees in history and physical education from Eastern in 1962 before going on to fame in Hollywood, addressed candidates in the Colleges of Education, Health Sciences and Justice & Safety.
“The key,” he said, “is to plant the seed in your mind that you can do anything. Each of you has so much potential, and you’re going to accomplish great things.”
Best known for portraying the “bionic” Steve Austin in “The Six Million Dollar Man” television series, Majors said he “never forgot where I came from. I’m proud to be a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University.”
Both speakers drew laughs with their self-deprecating humor.
Referring to Majors and his two most popular television roles, McConnell quipped to the graduates: “I’m sorry you didn’t get ‘The Six Million Dollar Man’ this morning. Instead, you got the ‘Fall Guy.’”
Then, in the afternoon, Majors said students who heard that a Hollywood star with Kentucky roots would be their commencement speaker might be disappointed.
“The girls were expecting George Clooney and the guys Ashley Judd,” he joked.
McConnell received an honorary doctor of laws degree, and Majors received an honorary doctor of humanities degree.
Student speakers on behalf of the morning and afternoon degree candidates, respectively, were Deborah Hamilton, of Irvine, and Kristan Yates, of Louisville.
Also, the 2006 President’s Outstanding Senior Award was presented to Sheena Moran, of Horse Cave, and Amy Jo Smith, of Manchester.
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