By GARY DEMUTH

Salina Journal

Speaking to the 2008 graduating class of Kansas State University at Salina, Bill Meredith's message was straightforward: Be prepared, take advantage of opportunities and don't be afraid to take a risk.

"Opportunities always involve some risk -- you can't steal second base and keep your foot on first," he said.

Meredith, director of the School of Family Studies and Human Services at K-State at Salina and Manhattan, was keynote speaker at the K-State at Salina commencement ceremonies Saturday at the Kansas Highway Patrol Training Center on East Iron.

Meredith told the 78 graduating seniors about a K-State Manhattan student named Nick Piper, who decided to learn Chinese because of China's rapid economic advancement. After giving a presentation to corporate executives at a symposium, Piper was offered a job to represent a major American company in China. Meredith said Piper plans to move to Xiamen, China, this August.

"Nick had prepared himself, opportunity presented itself, and he was willing to take a risk that may provide him with immense, unknown opportunities in the future," Meredith said. "As one writer said, 'You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.' "

Graduating senior David Jesse Jones, 25, plans to take Meredith's advice to heart, thanks to his positive experience at K-State at Salina.

"It was very hands-on here, with small classes and personal attention from the teachers," said Jones, who received an associate's degree in applied business with emphasis on computer systems technology. "I had an experience here that will give me more confidence when I get out in the field."

After welcoming remarks from K-State at Salina Dean Dennis K. Kuhlman, the commencement began with student and faculty awards.

Leslie Hannah, assistant professor of English, was presented with the Marchbanks Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence, given yearly by peers to a faculty member who has "promoted excellence in education," Kuhlman said.

Patricia Ackerman, assistant professor of English, was recognized with the Rex McArthur Family Faculty award for excellence in multiple areas that include contributions to the university and to the community.

Attending K-State at Salina has been invaluable for senior Maria L. Badders, a mother of five who was receiving associate's degrees in technology management and applied business.

"The staff and faculty here care about their students," said Badders, 34. "I could bring my kids to class, e-mail them or call them from class."

For Stephanie Schmidt, the friends she has made at K-State at Salina will last a lifetime.

"I've gone to three different colleges, and none of them had what I wanted," said Schmidt, 26, a Web technology development major who drives to the campus from her Junction City home each day. "At a smaller school like this, you form friendships that will last throughout your career."

The student address was provided by Doug Zerr, 25, a technology management major who graduated in December and recently was hired by Spirit Aerosystems in Wichita.

Zerr admitted he was nervous about speaking in front of the crowd of students, faculty, parents, friends and relatives, but then told the audience about a valuable piece of advice he was given about public speaking -- when nervous, just picture everyone in the audience in their underwear.

Zerr turned to his former dean.

"Dr. Kuhlman, you are a true K-State fan," Zerr said. "I love those purple boxers."

nReporter Gary Demuth can be reached at 822-1405 or by e-mail at gdemuth@salina.com.

Introductory music was provided by bagpiper Terry Ferguson, Salina. The processional and national anthem was performed by the Salina Municipal Band under the direction of William McMosley, director of bands at Kansas Wesleyan University.