The current debate over cutting financial aid for college students is a good example. But, the very next minute, they'll be crusading to rip the safety net out from under children, families, and seniors. Someone will get up and talk about their humble beginnings, and how they lifted themselves up by their bootstraps. You'll see it in debates on education welfare reform and student aid. Just turn on C-SPAN, any day of the week, and you'll see this divisiveness. On the other hand, we will all do poorly if we continue to follow the "us versus them" mentality which pervades the political debate these days in Washington. We will all do good to live by the example and words of Mary Fisher-a woman who might have chosen to be a victim, but instead dedicated her life to fighting for all Americans with this disease-man, woman, and child black and white rich and poor straight and gay. But along the road, if we are remarkably gifted, we will discover a simple truth: that the length of our life is less important than its depth." She said, "All roads end at the same place. I quote from her commencement speech to the Class of 1993 at Trinity College. Listen to the words of Mary Fisher, the courageous and eloquent AIDS activist and mother of two children. You can not afford to wait a lifetime to make your contribution, nor can the world afford to wait any longer for it. It is not enough to become financially successful or powerful: you must also empower others, and make it possible for them to succeed. It is not enough to grow in your career: you must also lift up those who do not have the advantages you have. It is not enough to take your well deserved diploma and hang it on your wall to admire for yourself: others must benefit from your talents. But, more importantly, we are here to tell you not to waste them. Yes, we-your spouses, children, parents, friends, and teachers-are here to honor your skills and determination. Not when you are making a comfortable salary. Not when you get that promotion you are working toward. Responsibility to contribute to our community, and make good on the investment we have made in your education. You stuck to your dreams, and we acknowledge your accomplishment.īut, with your degree today comes responsibility. I hope that each of you feel the same sense of joy and accomplishment that I felt back then because you deserve to. And, he was right! On that day, I had completed something that I had started, but not finished, 23 years earlier. My son, Ed, who was 16 at the time, said that he had never seen me happier than on my graduation day.
University of phoenix graduations professional#
In 1980, at the ripe old age of 42, I received my Bachelors Degree in Human Resources and Organizational Behavior from the University of San Francisco, as part of their professional students program. I was not unlike many of you 15 years ago. You have not just earned a degree, you have completed an obstacle course! In fact, I think you can be even prouder than the average college graduate, because most of you are working professionals, many with families, who had to balance yourselves on a tightrope in order to graduate. To the Class of 1995: Congratulations! We are so very proud of you, and you can certainly be proud of yourselves! University Of Phoenix-San Jose Campus Vice President Barker, Vice President Palmer, Distinguished Faculty, Honored Graduates, Parents, Family, and Friends: It is an honor to be with you today on this very special and important occasion-the commencement celebration of the University of Pheonix.
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