Commencement – December 2022

Today, it is my honor to bring greetings — and congratulations — on behalf of the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees.

Graduates: We are immensely proud of you.

Earning a college degree is no small feat. It is an accomplishment requiring countless hours of study and hard work. It required tremendous grit and determination. It demanded sacrifice.

It was a challenging journey, but you persevered.

You set an ambitious, exciting goal and, today, you have achieved it.

The degree you have earned is more than a piece of paper to hang on the wall. It is a SYMBOL of your journey and of everything you have gained along the way. It tells others that YOU can achieve anything you set your mind to and that you are well-prepared to tackle whatever challenges life may bring.

Your degree is also a responsibility.

It is a reminder that you have gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in communities everywhere. You have that power – now you must use it wisely.

You are now an ambassador for this university, and as you go into the world, you will represent us all.

I hope you will show others what it means to set the leadership standard by treating everyone with respect and compassion and being ethical and accountable in all you do.

I also hope you will return to your alma mater to help future students achieve their degrees.

Remember: You did not get here alone.

You were supported by hundreds of faculty instructors, staff mentors, classmates, roommates, and friends who encouraged your success.

And just as others helped YOU, I hope you will, in turn, pay it forward by helping the students who come after you. You have come so far, and your future is so bright. You will go on to do wonderful things, and we cannot wait to see all you will achieve.

Thank you for allowing me, and my fellow board members, to play a role in your journey. As Trustees, we are proud to know you will represent this community of scholars throughout the world.

We wish you success in all your endeavors, and we invite you to return often to share your good news.

Congratulations again on this momentous achievement.