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Commencement speaker to encourage graduates to keep pushing themselves

Published December 15, 2015

Richard Schrom has been selected to address his class at North Dakota State University's winter commencement ceremonies scheduled for Friday, Dec.18. Schrom, who grew up in Little Canada, Minnesota, will address his fellow students and sing a solo during the 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. events.

"I was ecstatic to be selected as speaker; there's no doubt about it," said Schrom, who will receive his Bachelor of Music in vocal music education. "And I get to sing, too. I get to show off what I actually do."

Schrom will urge his classmates to continue pushing themselves while searching for improvement and success in their endeavors. "Sometimes when students graduate, they have almost a sugar high that soon wears off – they don't work as hard anymore. I'll urge them not to let mediocrity become the new high standard," he said.

Schrom was first introduced to the NDSU School of Music through Dean Jilek, his former music teacher at Roseville Area High School. Jilek earned his master's degree at NDSU.

"As a high school junior, I came to NDSU to hear the Madrigal Singers, and I was hooked right away.”

Senior Richard Schrom was one of two students chosen to deliver a message to his classmates on graduation day. His commencement address will encourage graduates to keep pushing themselves to achieve.
   

Schrom has experienced many successes during his time at NDSU. He has performed in more than 80 concerts with the NDSU Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers and Bison Arts Singers. He has consistently placed highly in the Minnesota and North Dakota National Association of Teachers of Singing Student Auditions, and was a semifinalist in the association's national YouTube performances. He also was secretary of the NDSU chapter of the Student College Music Society.

"NDSU absolutely has impacted my life," he said. "I've had lots of one-on-one feedback with faculty, and I've had an environment at NDSU where I can learn and pursue my passion in music."

A highlight of Schrom's collegiate experience came last spring when the NDSU Concert Choir traveled to Iceland and Scotland for a series of performances. "It was definitely a highlight to have the chance to sing overseas and view other parts of the world," Schrom said. "It was fun to see and learn the history of some of the music we sing."

Schrom's next step is to share his talents with aspiring students. He plans to begin teaching high school music classes next fall, and eventually pursue his master's degree and doctorate in choral conducting.

Get the new NDSU app to read more about Schrom as he tells about his favorite hangout, shortcut, place to eat and other good things at NDSU. The app is available for free for iOS and Android phones.


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Vice President for University Relations
North Dakota State University
Phone: +1 (701) 231-1068 - Fax: (701) 231-1989
Campus address: Old Main 204
Mailing address: Dept 6000 PO Box 6050, Fargo, ND 58108-6050
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Last Updated: Tuesday, December 15, 2015 10:32:44 AM
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