5 years later, ASU's class of 2009 reflects on professional success

In May 2009, President Barack Obama addressed more than 9,000 ASU graduates and their families with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty in the air. The students were excited about the moment, but aware of the challenges of entering the workforce in the midst of the country’s economic downturn.

“Many of our current challenges are unprecedented,” Obama said to the crowd of what is still considered one of the nation’s largest-ever commencement ceremonies. “There are no standard remedies or go-to fixes this time around. That is why we are going to need your help.”

He told the graduating class that starting their careers in troubled times is a challenge, but also a privilege, because they are forced to dig deeper and discover gifts they never knew they had. 

“With a degree from this outstanding institution, you have everything you need to get started. You have no excuses not to change the world,” he said. “You can help our struggling non-profits ... teach in a high-need school ... help us lead a green revolution, developing new sources of clean energy that will power our economy and preserve our planet.”

In the five years since, and on the other side of the recession, the class of 2009 has grown in many ways and blazed trails in industries not even considered at the time.

Learn about what College of Public Programs alumni Brett Kruger, criminology and criminal justice, and Amaroney Thach, tourism development and management are doing now. 

Read the full story on ASU News.