Commencement Speaker Asks a Big Question: "Are You Ready?"

On May 3 in Beasley Coliseum, approximately 800 undergraduate and graduate students from the College of Liberal Arts participated in WSU's 112th spring commencement exercises, in a ceremony presided over by President Elson Floyd.

LeRoy Ashby, Claudius O. and Mary Johnson Distinguished Professor of History and a WSU regents professor, addressed liberal arts graduates, their friends, and families.

In his address, "'Somebody's Comin', Pa.' Are You Ready?" —utilizing a quote from the 1953 classic western movie Shane—Ashby talked about the impact of a college education. "Your stay at Washington State over the past several years should have suggested new possibilities, ideas, vantage points—all of which we hope makes you more ready from what is coming," he said.

Urging the new graduates to continue their pursuit for knowledge and shifting truth in an ever-changing world, Ashby said, "It is imperative that we never stop trying to learn, to seek information, to question, question, question!"

Ashby, who is retiring after a 42-year teaching career, received the WSU President's Award for Lifetime Service in March. His undergraduate classes on 20th-century American history have been among the most popular electives on campus for the past 30 years.

Talking about Ashby's long history of excellence in teaching and research, WSU president Elson Floyd said, "LeRoy Ashby has had a profound influence on the direction and progress of the University throughout his career and has demonstrated great personal and professional commitment to the University and our community."

Ashby is the author of With Amusement for All: A History of American Popular Culture Since 1830 (2006), Endangered Children: Dependency, Neglect, and Abuse in American History (1997), I (1997), Fighting the Odds: The Life of Senator Frank Church (1994), William Jennings Bryan: Champion of Democracy (1987), Saving the Waifs: Reformers and Dependent Children (1984), and The Spearless Leader: Senator Borah and the Progressive Movement in the 1920s (1972).

He holds an associate degree from Mesa College in Colorado, a bachelor's degree from Adams State College, also in Colorado, a master's from the University of Wyoming, and a doctoral degree from the University of Maryland.

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You may view Dr. Ashby's address in WSU's archived commencement videostreams using Real Player or Windows Media Player. His introduction begins at approximately 50:25. You are also welcome to read the text version (PDF) of his address.