Once Upon a Commencement Speech
I spent a lot of time in college writing speeches for politicians and business execs, so when it came time to graduate, I figured I’d test out a speech of my own. This was written for the Fall 2008 College of Communication Arts and Sciences’ commencement.
What a unique opportunity we have to graduate in a year filled with so much change, hope and optimism. In a year where a racial barrier broke before our very eyes, and for many of you sitting here, you stood up and spoke out about making a difference that many hoped for in our nation’s capital. Regardless of political preference, economic status or career path, the group surrounding you — your peers — will forever share a commonality as a unified group of Spartan alumni.
We are the next generation of communicators and business leaders, and though many of us will go on and begin a career, more important will be the contributions and innovative ideas we will offer to our respective industries.
Whereas once companies and politicians were able to hide information behind a screen of concealment, transparency now triumphs and social, online communication is possibly the single most important asset a company can offer its stakeholders, or a politician to his/her constituents. Understanding and guiding this evolution in communications and technology is one of the most important offerings we will offer as a graduating class.
As communicators, we will prove to our parents that endless hours spent searching Facebook (though studying should have been our focus) was only to familiarize ourselves with the pinnacle of social networking.
Social channels have begun and will continue to serve as the platforms for organizing groups and movements, addressing issues and even electing politicians around the world.
Never underestimate the significance of contributing to a greater cause. Let future fortunes humble you rather than seclude you.
As our new President of the United States has shown us, never underestimate the power within the audacity of hope. Inspire, lead, innovate, mentor and allow yourself to seek the mentorship of those with far more experience and knowledge.
Throughout college, I have been blessed jobs and internships opportunities that outweigh any expectations an eager Spartan could dream of. I’ve spent a week under the tents at Fashion Week in New York, unveiled the world’s first jetpack and interacted with many of the world’s most accomplished media. This matters because each represents an opportunity that I believe was enabled and catalyzed by the great fortune that is the ability to attend this university.
If I can share one thing I’ve learned, it is that passion, energy, perseverance and motivation will take you wherever you need to be. Personally, my passion for the science of communications stemmed from an outstanding mentor, Dean Charles Salmon, and who has without a doubt left a permanent mark on my life.
But what about your own experience here at MSU — what was it that really made you believe you were officially a Spartan? Was it the first time you rattled your keys as a ceremonial salute to a Spartan third down, or was it your first order of Pokey Stix or a CT Dub? To everyone’s confusion on the new name choice for East Lansing’s own — “Biggby” — to your relentless pursuit of a night of fun, even if it meant standing in a 30 minute line with temperatures that force even Johnny Spirit to bear a shirt. From your first Izzone experience, MSU St. Patty’s Day or the Spartan pride you felt as you watched the movie 300 for the very first time.
Never forget these experiences, and do not be shy to boast about this incredible institution. As we leave here today, what better of an opportunity could we ask for as we emerge into the so called “real world”? Is the economy in a slump — yes. Are jobs more difficult to come by — absolutely.
However, why look anywhere else than to your peers, and let us be the ones who accept responsibility for the well being of this nation.
It will not be long before our generation shoulders the responsibility for the well being of this country. Let that not be a burden, but a reason to work hard and strive for excellence in anyway you know how.
Some graduating today will later become key communicators for Fortune 500 businesses, spokesmen/women for politicians, strategic advisers and fundraisers who raise both money and attention for world-changing causes. Some will even take the step to become future professors themselves.
Hardships will occur and you will stand face-to-face with those who doubt you, those who are cynical and hypocritical. But, it is these experiences that will strengthen you, and these experiences that will build your character.
Douglas MacArthur spoke this nearly 50 years ago, and his words remain true to this day. Truer words have not been spoken in lieu of the challenges we’ll face from those who are cynical:
“To learn to stand up in the storm, but to have compassion on those who fall; to master yourself before you seek to master others; to have a heart that is clean, a goal that is high; to learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; to reach into the future, yet never neglect the past; to be serious, yet never take yourself too seriously; to be modest so that you will remember the simplicity of true greatness; the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength…
They create in your heart the sense of wonder, the unfailing hope of what next, and the joy and inspiration of life.”
Thank you for this opportunity. I wish all of you nothing but the absolute best of luck, and I look forward occasional run-ins so we can talk about the days that once were, and the days that are still to come.
