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When Mitch Morecraft walks across the stage to receive his diploma at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s May commencement, it’s his parents that will be forefront in his mind. As a first generation college student, the achievement is what his parents have always wanted for him, and one he’s worked hard for.

“My whole family is coming,” Morecraft said. “Their support has been the most important thing to me, whether it's financial support or moral support, it’s been what's motivated me to make it all the way through and persevere.

“My parents have worked hard, they’ve sacrificed and they’ve truly made an effort to give me more opportunities than they’ve had,” he added.

Morecraft, a Marshall native, will graduate with a bachelor’s in business administration with a focus on international business and entrepreneurship. A Spanish minor will further enhance his future success.

“If you think like an entrepreneur, and you solve problems and you’re willing to put yourself out there like an entrepreneur, then you can be successful in anything,” remarked Morecraft. “I focused on international business because of how interconnected our world is. What happens in Europe today, or what happens in South America tomorrow, affects business in the U.S.”

Morecraft plans to begin his professional career as a commercial real estate broker. But his aspirations involve more than wearing a business suit for the rest of his life.

“I don’t want to limit my efforts or where I work to just making money,” he said. “I want to take time to use the privileges that I’ve had, and my education, to make a difference for people who haven’t necessarily had all of the opportunities that I have.”

Along with academics, Morecraft committed many hours throughout his college career to extra-curricular activities and organizations, including student government. He served as the student trustee on the SIU Board of Trustees during 2014-15.

More impactful than any of those commitments he says has been the people he has met during his time at the University.

“I think when I came here I cared about people, but I didn’t understand people,” reflected Morecraft. “Simply being here surrounded by people who look, think and act differently than I do, and hearing their stories, has offered my biggest life lesson.”

To summarize his collegiate experience, Morecraft says he is grateful. He’s grateful to his parents for their encouragement and unwavering support, and he’s thankful for SIUE.

“I’m grateful that the University has given me the opportunity to do things that I never thought I could, and go places that I never thought possible,” he said.

“I would say to all other students, future and present: don’t limit yourself based on what you think you can do, where you’ve come from or what people have done before you. There are people at SIUE who are willing to help and will do anything they can to make sure you’re successful. Seek that out, be involved and do the best you can.”

Photo: Mitch Morecraft, first generation college graduate