MTSU 2,400-plus spring graduates called to be ‘agents of change’

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. —& Middle Tennessee State University spring graduate& Izzy Gutierrez& of Nashville is already putting the skills she learned in class and as a student worker to use in her first full-time job as a social/creative manager at Nashville-based Venture Music. One of the newest alumni from the& School of Journalism and Strategic Media& in the& College of Media and Entertainment, Gutierrez was among the 2,439 graduates celebrated over three ceremonies Friday and Saturday, May 3-4, at MTSU’s spring commencement ceremonies inside Murphy Center. “I couldn’t be more thankful for my time at MTSU. From the professors, students, staff and opportunities — I’ve gained experience in my field that I will cherish forever,” Gutierrez said. “I didn’t know what being a ‘hard worker’ truly meant until I attended MTSU. It’s the dedication you put into what you love. During my time at MTSU, I took upon every challenge with the willingness to learn, knowing I may fail.”& That resonates with Recording Industry alumnus and Saturday afternoon keynote speaker& Michael Hardy, who performs professionally as HARDY and shared deeply personal keynote remarks to Gutierrez and her fellow graduates from the College of Media and Entertainment as well as grads from...