Et cetera : Aaron Bjornsen graduates during Culver-Stockton College Commencement

Urbana native Aaron Bjornsenreceived a BA degree during the 155th Commencement held Saturday, May 21, 2011 on the campus of Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo. Bjornsen majored in religion & philosophy while attending Culver-Stockton.

The commencement ceremony was held in Charles Field House on the campus of Culver-Stockton and featured noted historian and Abraham Lincoln expert Harold Holzer as keynote speaker. During his address, titled "Abraham Lincoln: Lifelong Learner," Holzer encouraged C-SC graduates to follow in the footsteps of our 16th president, who, despite having no formal education, made learning a lifelong goal. "In the end it's all about opportunity-about fighting for the right to learn, and rise, so later generations, including me, including you, will enjoy the chance to better themselves through education, too. And then it's about making history of your own. As Lincoln said-and he meant it not just about himself, but about all of us, then as well as now, and in the future: 'We cannot escape history. We will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance, or insignificance, can spare one or the other of us. The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation.' Well, you are what Lincoln would call the latest generation. And Lincoln would believe you have it in you to be the greatest generation too," Holzer said during his address.