More than 1,300 students -- the largest graduating class in Southeast Missouri State University history -- received degrees Saturday at the Spring Commencement ceremony.

In all, 1,048 undergraduates and 283 graduate and specialist candidates received degrees. Two students earned cooperative doctoral degrees.

"It's a great afternoon," said Dr. Kenneth Dobbins, president of Southeast, to the latest graduates.

Kendra Neely-Martin, vice president of the Southeast board of regents, told the graduates they should have pride in what they have accomplished.

"The board of regents joins me in wishing you the best of luck in your future endeavors," Neely-Martin said.

Southeast Missouri State University graduate Abby Menke uses her mortar board to start her post-graduation job search before the 2013 Spring Commencement ceremony Saturday at the Show Me Center. (ADAM VOGLER)

Gary R. Downing, Southeast alumnus and chief executive officer of Insight Pharmaceuticals, gave the commencement address.

"I know what a difference my professors at Southeast made in my life," Downing said. "Soon you will, too."

Downing, whose company produces nationally known brands such as Anacin pain reliever and Sucrets throat lozenges, said he had three keys of success to impart to the graduates.

"The first key is to be confident," said Downing, who graduated from Southeast in 1972. "The second is to embrace risk and change, and the third is to show gratitude."

Downing said the confidence he possesses in the business world is rooted in what he learned at Southeast.

"Growing up, money was an issue within my family," he said. "I had to get a job to help cover my expenses as a student. That job, which was washing dishes in the Towers cafeteria, was my best motivation for graduation."

Downing admitted he had some fear and doubt when he first stepped into the business world, particularly when competing with Ivy League graduates.

"But I was prepared by Southeast to be a success. I know you all have been equally prepared, as well."

Downing said challenges posed by risk and change were nothing to fear, noting that in his business career, he has made decisions that have taken him from secure positions to risky ones and to living throughout the country.

He especially wanted graduates to remember to show gratitude for whatever they earn in life.

"It's important you do that," he said, "because everything you accomplish will be made possible with the help of others."

Downing closed by reminding graduates to savor what they have achieved.

"Tomorrow starts the real test," he said.

There will be tests in the future for the Class of 2013.

An April report by the Economic Policy Institute found the unemployment rate for college graduates is just under 9 percent, better than the 16 percent unemployment rate for all workers under age 25. The report also found about 18 percent of college graduates are underemployed in jobs that do not require a college degree.

Student loans also may be a burden for some graduates. According to Sarah Niswonger, a financial-aid coordinator at Southeast, spring 2012 graduates who borrowed money to pay for their education owed an average of $22,000. The average amount owed by this year's graduates won't be made available until all graduation reporting requirements are met, Niswonger said.

Ashlee Ross of St. Louis received her degree in human environmental studies.

"I still have my Olive Garden job," she said. "But I'll be going back to St. Louis to start the job hunt. I don't have anything lined up yet."

Ross said she owes about $40,000 in student loans.

"Loans financed my entire education," she said.

Luke Harmon graduated with a degree in mathematics.

"I'm planning on going to graduate school, or maybe into the military," said Harmon of Denver. "I owe about $18,000 in loans."

A graduate who won't be encumbered with student-loan debt is Jordan Van Natta, who graduated with a degree in agribusiness and animal science.

"I don't have any loans," said Van Natta of Herrin, Ill. "But I don't have a job. I'll go home and look around."

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

Show Me Center, Cape Girardeau, Mo.