‘Keep going and get ready for what’s ahead,’ says Purdue Global commencement speaker to graduates

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Global commencement speaker Pat Doney had an inspirational message to the graduating class during this past weekend’s commencement ceremonies.

“You’ve done something extraordinary. You pushed through. You sacrificed. You kept going when it would’ve been easier to quit. Whether it took you two years or 20 — you made it,” Doney said. “But this is not the summit. It’s not the finish line. This is the moment that sets everything else in motion.”

Throughout his message, Doney, who is a sports anchor at KXAS-TV/NBC 5 in Dallas-Fort Worth, wanted the graduates to know that while they have accomplished much, the job was not finished yet.

“The degree is not the summit,” Doney said. “It’s the sign that says, ‘Now you’re ready. You have the tools — keep going and get ready for what’s ahead.’”

Doney, who earned his Master of Science in higher education in 2024, has a passion for using the tools and expertise he learned at Purdue Global to invest in and inspire the next generation.

“This moment was never about arriving,” Doney said. “It is about stepping into your purpose. Use what you’ve earned at Purdue Global not just to make a living, but to make a difference.”

Doney addressed the 3,147 graduates — 1,879 in person, along with the 1,268 participating in two virtual ceremonies — a record high for a Purdue Global commencement weekend. More than 12,000 guests, faculty and staff attended the in-person commencement ceremonies at Purdue University’s Elliott Hall of Music in West Lafayette.

Eva Nodine, Purdue Global’s chief financial officer and chief operating officer, also addressed the graduates, and Jon Harbor, interim chancellor, conferred the degrees. The graduates included 494 Indiana residents and represented all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. There were 495 graduates affiliated with the military. Also being celebrated were 58 systemwide Purdue University employees who have earned a Purdue Global degree or certificate via the Purdue Global education benefit.

Akilah Eberhart of Lansing, Illinois; Michelle Witt of Bridgeport, West Virginia; and Farrah Mechael of Burbank, California, performed the national anthem during their respective ceremonies. Eberhart received a Master of Science in health care administration. Witt earned her Master of Science in applied behavior analysis. Mechael, a professional singer and recording artist, is a 2024 Purdue Global alumna who earned her Bachelor of Science in business administration from the School of Business and Information Technology.

The next Purdue Global commencement is scheduled for May 2, 2026, in West Lafayette.

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://www.purdueglobal.edu.