MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Middle Tennessee State University graduates received words of wisdom from a diverse group of leaders during three spring commencement ceremonies this weekend. The events featured speakers with deep ties to both the local community and the global music industry.

State Senator Dawn White, an MTSU alumni who represents much of Rutherford County, opened the graduation series on Friday. On Saturday morning, Deputy Governor Stuart McWhorter shared insights on the state’s economic landscape. The weekend concluded with a keynote from Scott Borchetta, the founder and CEO of Big Machine Records, whose name now graces the university's College of Media and Entertainment.

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee also spoke to each group, noting that more than 70 percent of the 2,566 graduates will remain in Tennessee. This latest class brings the total number of degrees awarded by the university to over 194,600 since its opening in 1911.

The graduation marks the end of the 115th academic year for MTSU. Thousands of supporters attended the ceremonies at the Murphy Center to celebrate the university’s newest alumni.