2012 Commencement Speakers

DaTruRochin wrote:Ours told us they were going to "get the terrorists".....

I'd take Lou any day of the week.

While many seniors are beginning to feel stress over their upcoming graduation, senior Masis Isikbay, who is graduating a year early, has an added task to perform before he can receive his diploma: give a speech in front of the entire graduating class of 2012 and their families. Isikbay, a biology major and the University Scholar for the College of Arts and Sciences, is the 2012 University of Portland valedictorian.

“I feel very flattered, very humbled, very honored to be valedictorian,” Isikbay said.
The valedictorian is chosen from a pool of University Scholars, students who have done exceptionally well throughout their years at the University of Portland. However, grades are not the only thing taken into consideration when selecting the valedictorian.

“In addition to a strong academic record, extracurricular activities are important,” Isikbay said. “Being well rounded is important because you’re in a position to represent the whole class.”

While Isikbay’s GPA is not a 4.0, it comes close at a 3.98. “I did have one A minus,” Isikbay said. “My mentality was not to work towards a grade, so much to work towards the pursuit of knowledge especially with the things I was interested in.”

Isikbay, who is also a resident assistant for Villa Maria Hall, believes the main reason he was picked to be valedictorian was because of the scientific research he has conducted and presented in conferences.

“I think a big reason that I was chosen was through my undergraduate research experience and having the opportunity to go up and give a presentation in front of other people,” Isikbay said.

Isikbay attributes his academic achievements to the University of Portland and his family. “I have to give credit to University of Portland and the faculty members that have been around me,” Isikbay said. “I don’t think any of this would have been possible had I not had the support system that I had. Of course, my family, my mother, father and brother as well.”

“After graduation, I want to pick up a lab technician position perhaps at OHSU (Oregon Health and Science University),” Isikbay said.” I plan to work at least for two years in that environment and really see what it’s like to be in the next level when it comes to research.”