Janzow to Southeast graduates: 'Change is inevitable'

Usually, sleeping in class is not allowed. But sleeping is what Tony Selvaggio's guide dog, Marvel, did during most of his owner's classes at Southeast Missouri State University.

On Saturday, Marvel wore a black graduation gown of her own as she and Selvaggio, who is blind, walked across the stage together to get his diploma.

Selvaggio was one of 1,129 students who received degrees at the university's spring commencement Saturday at the Show Me Center.

He received a bachelor of science degree in mass communication and a bachelor of arts degree in communication studies.

Marvel, a 4-year-old Labrador, lived with Selvaggio in a residence hall on the Southeast campus during his three years studying there.

"With all the friends we made, I think she liked living in the dorm more than I did. She always has people to play with," Selvaggio said.

Marvel will return home with Selvaggio to St. Louis after graduation. Selvaggio hopes to work in public relations and as a motivational speaker, inspiring others with his own success.

Dr. Fred Janzow, vice provost and dean of the School of Graduate Studies, delivered Saturday's commencement speech. He will retire in June after 35 years at Southeast, where he began his career as a biology teacher.

"As I look out at a sea of graduates it seems remarkable to me that every one of you will begin a new life filled with unexpected possibilities," Janzow said.

He spoke to students about how to navigate changes they would experience in their futures.

"Change is inevitable, unexpected and unpredictable," he said. "It creates new possibilities for our own life. You have been well prepared by the faculty and staff here to take advantage of these possibilities."

In addition to recognizing 936 undergraduate and 193 graduate students during the ceremony, six alumni were honored with 2011 Young Alumni Merit Awards.

This year's honorees are:

Harrison College

of Business

Christie Johnson Nardozzi received her bachelor of science in business administration degree, accounting major, in December 1998. After graduating, she spent 11 years with Accenture, a global technology and management consulting company. She currently leads the support organization for The Home Depot's international division.

College of Education

Michael Johnson received his bachelor of science in education degree, mathematics education, in December 1997 and his master of arts, secondary administration, in December 2004. He is the principal at Scott City High School.

College of Health

and Human Services

Roy Van Brunt III earned his bachelor of science degree, criminal justice major, law enforcement option, in May 1996. He is a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigations in Miami.

College of Liberal Arts

Dr. Christopher Robertson earned his bachelor of science degree, philosophy major, in May 1997. He is an associate professor at James E. Rogers College of Law, University of Arizona, in Tucson, Ariz.

School of Polytechnic Studies

Stephen Bauer received his bachelor of science degree, industrial technology major, visual communications option, in 2000. He is a director of special projects with Public Allies in Milwaukee.

College of Science

and Mathematics

Dr. Christie Bruening received her bachelor of science degree, interdisciplinary studies major, in May 1998. She resides in Greenwood, Mo., and is an attending physician, anesthesiology, at St. Luke's Hospital.

The Young Alumni Merit Awards are given to honor alumni 37 or younger who have brought distinction to the university through professional growth, service and individual character. The Alumni Association chooses from the list of nominees representing each college. Nominations may come from faculty, staff or alumni.

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