Hahn Graduates from Haskell

By Emma Brown

LAWRENCE, KS — Pete Hahn, son of Peter Hahn and Terry Hahn of Brighton, has reached a milestone in his life’s journey. On Dec. 8 family and Education staff flew into Lawrence, Kan. greeted with single-digit weather and a town covered with a beautiful blanket of snow to share a very special day with Pete, his college graduation day.

Upon arrival Pete met his friends and family at Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) and gave them a small tour of the campus. It was a very frigid day outdoors so the consensus was to stay inside as much as possible. After the tour of HINU, it was downtown for a tour of Lawrence in the winter and a stop at Starbucks for some liquid heat.

At 4 p.m. everyone headed over to the auditorium for the graduation ceremony. Although the ceremony was short, with approximately 41 students graduating, it was very powerful in its message to the students and audience. Each chosen speaker spoke from their hearts about the beauty of being Native American and having reached the goal of earning a college degree. They are a minority by race, but an even bigger minority by their achievement.

As Pete walked across the stage to receive is bachelor’s degree in business administration/Tribal management, I think he received the loudest roar of applause. He had obviously made an impact and lots of friends at the university.

During her speech, the president of HINU also recognized the Seminole Tribe by name and thanked everyone for coming from Florida to join them, which was definitely an honor.

Pete has made many accomplishments while at HINU like being football captain and starting quarterback, earning MVP honors in 2001 and 2003, making the president’s list, and most importantly earning his degree.

While staying busy with school, Pete also managed to meet his future wife Mercedes Osceola, daughter of Joe Dan and Virginia Osceola of Hollywood, wed on Jan. 7.

The dream of having a career and a family is now Pete’s reality, and his journey of life is just beginning. His family and new family wish to let him now how proud they are of him. We look forward to wonderful things from Pete Hahn.