Now This Is A First!!!!

[Sam]

BATON ROUGE - LSU's entire 2008 senior class in football can say they have a college degree, and a national title, as former linebacker Darry Beckwith graduated on Friday to become the 19th and final member of that group to earn his diploma from LSU.

When told of what his graduating meant for the class of 2008, Beckwith responded by saying, "that's awesome. I had no idea, but it's a tribute to Coach Miles and his staff and the emphasis that is put on getting an education at LSU."

Beckwith, who started at linebacker on LSU's national championship team in 2007, spent two seasons (2009 and 2010) in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers before returning to Baton Rouge to finish his degree requirements last year. Beckwith graduated with a degree in interdisciplinary studies with emphasis of sports management and history.

Beckwith's degree came nearly four years after his played his final down of football for the Tigers, but it's something that he always knew he wanted to do and that's return to campus to finish what he started.

"It took a big effort but it was something that I always wanted to do," Beckwith said. "When I came to LSU I wanted to get my degree and succeed on the football field, but getting an education was always a priority because of the emphasis that Coach Miles puts on it."

And Shack earned his Ph.D.

Man, what is going on at LSU? The jocks are getting their diplomas. This never happened when I was down in Baton Rouge. I know LSU has free tutoring for students but to have every one of your football recruits graduate is a first for me.

If the LSU players can get their degrees, so can any guy on this site.

[roadwarrior]

Interdisciplinary Studies?

LSU is not alone, but such a "degree" certainly diminishes the status of the overall program.

[Sam]

Yep. What in the world is that degree in?

I guess it may be a step up from gym, aka kineseology.

But at least they have their degrees which opens the doors to many companies that will hire you if you have a degree and not care what the degree is in.

I know a lot of people with degrees in "Study A" and have careers in "Work B" which has nothing to do with "Study A."

And when my wife worked at the IRS there were people there with bachelors and masters degrees and CPA designations that could not find a job anywhere else. Remember, just because you have a college degree your personality, how you dress, how you act and your disposition can cancel out all of that hard work.

Look at Ike. He went balistic only one time and Ranger dropped him. (LOL!!!!)

[shootermcbob]

Sam, kinesiology is not the same as physical education. I just recently went back to school after being downsized and took a class in kinesiology. Very difficult course.

Excellent point about people working outside of their degree programs. My roommates dad has a degree in physical education, yet makes a lot of money as a salesman.

[Lund Explorer]

From what I could find through Google, Interdisciplinary Studies is basically make up your own course of study.

Sam's probably right in that at least the man got a degree. My only question is if that means that every freshmen player in 2005 got to that senior class in 2008. Now that would be an accomplishment as many drop out of school when they either can't handle classes or can't compete on the field.

[Bassn Blvd]

He may have his degree, but that doesn't mean he's edumicated.

[Root beer]

Yep. What in the world is that degree in?

I guess it may be a step up from gym, aka kineseology.

But at least they have their degrees which opens the doors to many companies that will hire you if you have a degree and not care what the degree is in.

I know a lot of people with degrees in "Study A" and have careers in "Work B" which has nothing to do with "Study A."

And when my wife worked at the IRS there were people there with bachelors and masters degrees and CPA designations that could not find a job anywhere else. Remember, just because you have a college degree your personality, how you dress, how you act and your disposition can cancel out all of that hard work.

In certain field, you need experience to go with that degree.. It all bull$#&%, folks.