CENTRAL COMMENCEMENT DRAWS NIGH

AS HE TOOK THE PODIUM TO SPEAK during Central’s spring 2021 commencement ceremony for the College of Education and Professional Studies and the College of Fine Arts and Design, former UCO President and Oklahoma Gov. George Nigh looked as comfortable as ever. Nigh has given numerous commencement speeches over the years. As Central’s president from 1992-97, Nigh spoke at each commencement ceremony, giving well wishes to all those graduating from the institution, which he helmed.

Preceding his time at UCO, Nigh served as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives before going on to become a two-time lieutenant governor (1959-63, 1967-79) and a two-time governor (1963, 1979-87) in the state – his lengthy political career providing myriad speech opportunities. And even prior to that, Nigh’s time as a teacher in McAlester Public Schools in McAlester, Oklahoma, afforded him a front-row seat to commencement ceremonies each year.

This ceremony, however, marked Nigh’s 73rd commencement address. His pointed words directed graduates to take their lives to the next level, to take their degrees and continue their stories.

“Put an exclamation point in your life and make it exciting!” he said, his voice ringing out across Wantland Stadium.

Delivering 73 commencement speeches is quite the feat for anyone, but at age 94, Nigh has spoken out to graduates over several decades, his words culminating in an audience of thousands of students, earning thousands of degrees – a legacy that spans generations.

SPACED SIX FEET APART, STUDENTS AWAITED THEIR TURN TO WALK ACROSS THE STAGE IN WANTLAND STADIUM, SOME HAVING WAITED FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR TO HEAR THEIR NAMES RING OUT DURING THE CEREMONY.