Celebrations, laughter and tears filled the Murphy Center this Friday and Saturday as Blue Raiders and their loved ones gathered to commemorate the beginning of post-grad life.
Friday afternoon
MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee kicked off the ceremony on Friday by introducing the event’s commencement speaker, Sen. Dawn White.
White, an MTSU alum, began her address by honoring McPhee, who plans to retire in December after a stint as the university’s longest-serving president.
“Dr. McPhee has been a tireless advocate for this university, a faithful blue raider fan and an influential leader in the higher education community,” White said.
White emphasized that while plans for the future are important, graduates should also expect the unexpected.
“You may have planned and prepared for these goals for a long time,” White said. “But I want to also encourage you to plan and prepare for the next unexpected opportunities and challenges life is going to bring you as well.”
Reflecting on her time as a student, White recalled the speech she gave at her high school’s graduation in 1994 – a graduation also held in MTSU’s Murphy Center. She referenced a line from Patty Loveless’s song “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye:” “Life’s about changing, nothing ever stays the same.”
White spoke of shifts in her life, from being a student to a teacher, then a small business owner to a politician. Following her graduation from MTSU, White taught kindergarten at Blackfox Elementary School.
“I often joke that being a kindergarten teacher taught me everything I needed to know about politics and about life,” White said.
White concluded her address with a quote from her high school graduation speech.
“We will face new opportunities and new obstacles,” White said. “And in our hopes and dreams, nothing is unattainable.”
Saturday morning
McPhee began the second day of ceremonies by welcoming Stuart McWhorter, Tennessee’s deputy governor and commissioner of economic and community development, as the morning’s commencement speaker.
McWhorter focused his address on his hope for Tennessee’s future.
“Companies from around the world are choosing Tennessee to invest and create jobs,” McWhorter said. “But they are not coming here simply because of our location or our business climate. They come here because of our people.”
Everywhere he travels for work, McWhorter gets the same question from companies, entrepreneurs and community leaders: when and where are we going to find the next workforce and leadership talent for the future?
“This morning, I can tell you the answer: it’s sitting right here in front of me.”
McWhorter offered advice to graduates, highlighting four principles from his father that have helped him on his journey in economics, politics, and life: finding mentors, always being prepared, thinking like a business owner and always giving back to the community.
“The doors that open for you today will shape your future, but the doors that you open will define your life,” McWhorter said.
Saturday Afternoon
MTSU’s final spring graduation ceremony began on Saturday afternoon, with Scott Borchetta, the chairman and CEO of Big Machine Records and the recent namesake of Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment.
Borchetta emphasized how quickly the world changes, but encouraged graduates to adapt with the times. Artists who work with Borchetta often express concern about AI, but he views it as a tool.
“AI is a tool, a tool unused is like a fine instrument, unopened, still sitting in its case,” Borchetta said. “Your generation, you have the opportunity to use the most high power intelligence ever created. What are you going to do with it?”
AI is changing the music industry, Borchetta said, and professionals have to adapt.
“This industry will change on you in a heartbeat,” Borchetta said. “It has already changed more in the last ten years than in the 50 years prior. AI is rewriting production as we sit here.”
But not all the soon-to-be graduates and audience members cared for Borchetta’s outlook, as many booed in response. Borchetta replied: “Hear me now or pay me later.”
Still, Borchetta did offer some words of comfort, emphasizing that creativity isn’t going anywhere.
“Platforms and systems come and go,” Borchetta said. “What is still the most valuable commodity is great content, great storytelling. AI is not going to change that.”
Borchetta acknowledged the graduates of the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment and offered encouragement.
“Many of you graduate today with my name on your degree, and that is truly my honor,” Borchetta said. “Be the next great generation, we’re counting on you.”
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