The 2007 Freeman School commencement ceremony was business as usual, and to most of the 3,000 people in attendance, that was welcomed news.

Last year’s commencement took place against a backdrop of Hurricane Katrina, with most graduating students having completed their fall semesters at universities across the country. This year’s ceremony, which took place on May 19 in Fogelman Arena, felt more like old times.

“When Katrina hit, our BSMs had just transferred to the business school and had not yet begun working on their majors and our MBAs had just completed their orientation sessions,” said Dean Angelo DeNisi. “All students who were enrolled at the time of Hurricane Katrina could have chosen to stay at the institutions to which they evacuated. Those students who returned after Katrina did so with the hope of a resurgent city and university.”

“To all graduates, I extend the heartfelt appreciation of the university, the school and the city for your courage in completing your studies here,” said DeNisi. “You recognized the value of the education this institution and city could provide, and you chose that above what you found elsewhere. It is an honor to be with you on this special occasion.”

DeNisi awarded diplomas to 409 graduating students, including three Doctor of Philosophy degree recipients, 15 Master of Accounting degree recipients, 77 Master of Business Administration degree recipients, 31 Master of Finance degree recipients and 283 Bachelor of Science in Management degree recipients.

Delivering addresses at the ceremony were Ryan Rogers (BSM ’07), who represented the undergraduate student body, and Anthony Wood (MBA ’07), who represented the graduate student body.

Enrico M. Toro received the Marta and Peter Bordeaux Scholastic Achievement Award, which recognizes the graduating MBA with the highest cumulative grade point average, and Shane F. Hannabury received the BSM Scholastic Achievement Award, which recognizes the graduating BSM with the highest cumulative grade point average.

“I wish you all the best in your academic, professional and personal endeavors,” DeNisi said in conclusion. “We look forward to following your careers and watching you contribute to building a better world.”