ANDY CRIPE/Gazette-Times Matthew Story, 23, spent five years completing his three degrees.

For nine OSU grads, commencement was thrice as nice

As Oregon State University’s Class of 2006 gathered in the Quad Sunday afternoon before processing to Reser Stadium, most graduates had no trouble finding their place in line.

But for triple-major Ceressa Crawford, it wasn’t so easy.

Crawford earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in French and speech communication as well as a Bachelor of Science in human development and family sciences with a human services option.

Those walking with the College of Liberal Arts wore white tassels on their mortarboards, while College of Health and Human Sciences graduates wore maroon.

“I chose by color,” said the 23-year-old from Sherwood. She preferred the purplish hue.

Crawford was among the 2,090 graduation candidates who participated in OSU’s 137th Annual Commencement. She was one of nine to receive three degrees, although only four of the triple majors took part in Sunday’s ceremony.

It took Crawford a little more than four years to complete her studies. She took 19 credits each term and enrolled in summer courses.

In addition to school, she worked 20-40 hours a week at places including Safeway and OSU’s student newspaper. She also worked as an international ambassador, encouraging students to study abroad.

Crawford interned with the Parent Enhancement Program, where she mentored a teen mom, the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence and Yes House.

“I like to have a full plate. I don’t like to sit around,” she said. “I manage my time better being busy.”

Crawford also made time for fun, observing “Thirsty Thursdays” and trying to avoid Friday classes.

She’s not sure what the future holds, but is interested in pursuing journalism or volunteering with the Peace Corps in a Francophone.

Katherine Jillson, 22, managed to earn degrees in international studies, environmental science and Spanish in OSU’s Honors College.

“I just pursued my interests. These were all things I am passionate about,” said the Eugene native.

It took her five years to earn the three bachelor’s degrees. Although she might return to school for a master’s in teaching, for now Jillson is looking forward to a less frenetic pace.

“I’m going to take it easy because it was too much work,” she said.

Matthew Story, a 23-year-old from West Linn, marched with the College of Business. He received degrees in business administration with a focus in international business, Spanish and international studies.

Like Jillson, Story spent five years completing his degrees.

His close friends know he’s a triple major, but he usually just mentions the Spanish and business degrees; he worries that three degrees sounds too boastful.

Also, most job applications only leave room for two bachelor’s degrees, he said, prompting him to leave off his international studies degree. He figures this major will be the least familiar of the three to potential employers.

What he does next year is the “million-dollar question,” Story said, although he has a plan for the next few months.

He’ll spend the summer working in Las Vegas at the World Series of Poker, where he’ll do online reporting for Card Player Magazine.

After that ends in August, Story’s future is wide open.

“Hopefully I’ll do something with skiing,” he said.

At a glance

Oregon State of University Class of 2006 Profile

• 4,410 people received 4,581 degrees

• 2,273 degrees were awarded to men

• 2,308 degrees were awarded to women

• 3,627 people received bachelor’s degrees

• 669 people received master’s degrees

• 80 people received Doctor of Pharmacy degrees

• 167 people received Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Education degrees

• 38 people received Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees (awarded at an earlier date)

• 153 people received two degrees

• Nine people received three degrees

• 34 of Oregon’s 36 counties are represented

• All 50 states are represented

• Graduates hail from 44 countries

• 2,090 graduation candidates attended commencement

• The average age of graduates is 24

• The youngest graduate is 19

• The oldest graduate is 67

• The degrees awarded Sunday are among the 187,998 conferred by OSU during the university’s 137-year commencement history

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