Dr. Todd Zakrajsek Delivers Commencement Address

This year’s commencement address was delivered by Dr. Todd Zakrajsek, which focused on “increasing attractiveness” which was not defined by what you look like, but by who you are. He recommended that graduates know their true value, get others to see their value, and do something of value everyday.

“Be mindful of your past, but be forward thinking. Recognize your own value, but figure out who you are. Get others to hear your voice and to see your value. Do things that add value to yourself and others. Get what you deserve, and the resources you need, and always strive for more,” Dr. Zakrajsek said.

In addition to his commencement address, Dr. Zakrajsek was presented with an Honorary Doctorate from LSSU President Dr. Rod Hanley. Dr. Zakrajsek is a 1985 psychology alumnus from Lake Superior State College. His wife Debra (Van Etten) also graduated from LSSC in 1985, with a degree in nursing. Dr. Zakrajsek went onto receive his Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology from Ohio University in 1991. He has taught psychology at Lake Superior State University, Albion College, and Southern Oregon University. Dr. Zakrajsek has also served as the Director of Faculty Development at Central Michigan University, the Executive Director at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, and the Executive Director with the Academy of Educators at the UNC School of Medicine.

Currently, he is an Associate Research Professor in the department of Family Medicine at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University, Raleigh.

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