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SpeechesFall Undergraduate Commencement 2007Remarks at the Fall 2007 Undergraduate Commencement ceremony at The Bryce Jordan Center at 9:00 a.m.
Graham B. Spanier
I want to offer my congratulations to all of you. As college graduates, you join an elite group of individuals; only 28 percent of Americans hold a college degree. So this is quite a milestone for you -- and not because your parents weren't sure you were ever leaving this place. Little did they know a few of you were slowed down by Texas Hold-Em poker, YouTube videos, and studying FaceBook. December 22, 2007 But now you're ready for the real world --well, at least your parents are ready for you to be in the real world. Incidentally, if you haven't been home lately, your room may have already been converted to a home-spa or fitness center. And for those of you who have not found a job, you will soon begin finding want ads circled in red and strategically placed around the house. Before we officially send you on your way, I want to offer some advice. You're probably hoping for some tips designed to make you rich or famous. I recently saw a study that said the goal of 80 percent of young people is to get rich, and over 50 percent want to get famous. Now, guess how many have a goal of helping people who need help? Thirty percent. And only 22 percent hope to be leaders in their communities. I don't think that's enough. This world needs great leaders, dedicated citizens, and compassionate neighbors--and all of you must play a role in this. As Gandhi said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." You know what? I'll even tell you the secret of how to do it. It was the most important thing I learned throughout my life. Quite simply, it is this: Put people first. That's it. I know you're thinking there must be more -- he's the president of Penn State and this is all he's got? Well, just to make you feel better, I'll expand a little on this notion. It is my deep belief that humanizing society is our best shot for moving forward as a nation and as human beings. We are in an era where we're often more comfortable communicating electronically than face to face. For example, thirty percent of Americans think it's just fine to break up with someone via email or text message. While that might work well for Britney Spears, I think we can do better. It's important to always remember that every action in our lives touches someone else in some way and we are accountable not only for what we do in life, but also for what we do not do. Remember that small gestures matter and grand gestures often have small beginnings. At times, we're afraid to talk to people about certain things, lest somebody feel we've crossed a line. But I encourage you to reach out to those around you. If they don't want to talk, they'll tell you. But you would be amazed at how often they say, "Thank you for noticing, thank you for taking the time to ask how I'm doing." Those interactions are really priceless. Lives have been changed because someone took the time to engage others. Unfortunately, we have become a society of screamers. Look at cable network news. We put people on opposite sides of a table and we get them to yell at one another. We expect people -- we even want people to take extreme positions on issues. Are you pro or con? Left or right? Gay or straight? Pro-life or pro-choice? The truth of the matter is that the world doesn't normally operate at the extremes. Few things are black or white. It is in the gray areas where most of the world operates. It is in the gray areas where compromises are made. It is in the gray areas where people must come to terms with decisions in the workplace, in their family life, in their community, and across borders. Many of you will go into the workplace believing that all decisions are business decisions. But they are not. Most decisions are also people decisions. As future leaders, you need to be accessible, reach out to people, and strive to understand diverse viewpoints. Most days we're given the opportunity to connect to dozens of people. Not all of these people will be the captains of industry or the leaders of nations. Some may be your next door neighbor, the bagger at the local grocery store, your mechanic, or a cab driver. Every encounter has the potential to influence your life. A true leader recognizes this and strives to make people feel important and accepted no matter who they may be. As the poet Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." It is my deepest hope that you will care enough about humanity to work toward solving some of the world's most pressing problems. I urge you to strive to make a genuine difference in the world by always putting people first. To all of you in the class of 2007, I offer my heartiest congratulations for all your hard work and effort. I wish you happiness, success, fulfillment, and a life filled with compassionate and caring people -- even if they aren't Nittany Lions! |
