Carl Edwards Speaks, Graduates Listen
This should send a few NASCAR hating heads spinning.
University of Missouri held their commencement ceremonies Friday and like many institutes of learning around the world they offer online study as part of their curriculum. In keeping with the online community established through the program they also had a special online ceremony for those that studied and graduated via the program.
One graduate, Janine MacAulay, “attended” the event while on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada is an example the advantages gained by going online with the festivities and the advantages of online study.
Another is allowing access to one of the commencement speakers.
Carl Edwards was one of three speakers that had words for the class of 2004 graduates. The text of his speech can be read online but here is a short excerpt:
“The University of Missouri has always been an important part of my life,” Edwards said in his virtual commencement address. “And, as a professional racecar driver, I know how hard you have to work to be a winner. That’s why I’m proud to be speaking to an entire group of winners - Mizzou’s online degree graduates.”
“You’ve been pioneers, part of the first generation of students to learn this way,” he said in the video. “You’ve discovered that studying from a distance isn’t any easier than learning in a class room.”
“The best part for me aside from viewing the speeches was the online guestbook,” MacAulay said, adding that her family, friends and classmates were able to participate in her graduation by posting messages for her and other graduates to read. “I noticed they added one from Carl Edwards. My husband and his family are all NASCAR fans, so they were thrilled.”
The Half-Vast Staff™ of Full Throttle sends its congratulations to all Mizzou’s online graduates as well as to the more traditional graduates but have to wonder what the latte drinking, Saab driving, NASCAR hating crowd thinks of having a “grease-stained” race driver speaking during a commencement exercise.
Obviously we have to guess, and probably be on the mark with one, because Beelzebub would open a Popsicle stand in Hell before they darkened the door of Full Throttle or any other racing blog to answer the question.
Technorati Tags: Carl Edwards, NASCAR, University of Missouri, Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series
Wow - Thanks for the press! This story is really making the rounds. MU offers terrific online programs and I’m happy to have been part of their first online commencement. The Carl Edwards connection was icing on the cake. No backflips, though.
In response to your question, I think that Carl is a fine spokesperson for MU, but I truly hope he completes his degree. That would certainly raise his stock with the ‘crowd’ you refer to.
By the way, I drink hot tea with milk and drive a Toyota. But then again, you’ll find a lot more NASCAR fans than Saab drivers here in Cape Breton. We’ve got to watch something when hockey season is over.
My question is, what’s a girl gotta do to get some Carl Edwards gear?