Salute to Graduates
121st Commencement Exercises
May 22, 2008
The Liacouras Center
Graduates, you have accomplished much, and I can tell how excited you are. You have risen for early classes and managed many late nights. You have learned basic life skills and mastered complex concepts. You have defined yourselves as individuals and acquired many new friends. You have earned the right to a profound sense of achievement, and I hope you enjoy this day.
I know that members of the Temple faculty, who are looking on from the seats behind me, are extremely proud of you. This world-class education you have received at Temple University was made possible through their efforts as teachers, advisors, mentors and scholars. I would like to take a moment to recognize all that they have done to help you reach this important milestone. Will the members of the faculty please stand and be recognized?
(Applause)
This year’s graduating class numbers more than 7,500 students, including those who satisfied degree requirements this month as well as in July, August and January. This morning our undergraduate and graduate students will celebrate together, with degrees conferred by college and school. This afternoon, this evening and over the weekend, schools and colleges will hold individual ceremonies. Professional degree students in the Schools of Dentistry, Law, Medicine and Podiatric Medicine will celebrate at these ceremonies.
In addition to the students graduating today, more than 170 Temple students will graduate at a June 15th ceremony at Temple University Japan. Parts of today’s ceremony are being videotaped and will be shown at the Japan graduation. In the spirit of international fellowship, please join me in a video greeting to your counterparts at Temple University Japan.
Repeat after me:
KON-NICH-IWA Temple University Japan!
KON-NICH-IWA graduates!
Hello Dean Bruce Stronach and the Temple University Japan faculty, staff and students. Our greetings to the distinguished Board of Governors of Temple University Japan.
*****
Today we celebrate 780 professional and doctoral degree recipients, 1760 master’s degree graduates and 4989 recipients of bachelor’s degrees.
(Applause)
You come from 49 states and 85 different countries. More than 4500 of you are residents of Pennsylvania. Our youngest graduate is 19, and our oldest is 72. Fifty-five percent of you are women and 45% are men. Nearly 41% of this year’s graduates lived on or near campus. One hundred ten of you were student-athletes; nearly 750 of you studied abroad.
Whatever your age or interests, you share common traits that set apart Temple graduates: Ambition. Initiative. Determination. Innovation. These “T words” are more than billboard slogans. They characterize your hard work, achievement and drive that have made you successful. You can now add Graduate to that list of characteristics.
College is a time of intense study and growth, great adventure and promise. I am certain you have taken advantage of every opportunity available to you during your time here.
Your years at Temple have been shaped by serious events around the world. We have witnessed the devastating impact nature can have, as hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, tsunamis and other natural disasters have struck both in the United States and abroad. You have seen the best and worst of human nature, as tragic events on the Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois campuses have forged stronger bonds among you and your friends and reminded you that youth, strength and promise alone do not guarantee safety. You have felt the long-term effects of a sustained war.
Most of you have the distinction of beginning and ending your college careers in the thick of a presidential election season. As our nation has grappled with its established red-state/blue-state identity, I hope you have learned that your participation makes a difference; that your voice can be heard.
I am proud that you are engaged. Whether the issue is politics, world hunger, sustainability, neighborhood engagement or workers rights, you have made yourselves heard. That activist spirit is a hallmark Temple quality that will serve you well throughout your lives and I know will be a blessing to you all. Do not let the passing of years distort your ideals.
Nineteenth Century British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli said, “The secret of success in life is to be ready for opportunity when it comes.”
Temple University Board of Trustees chairman Daniel Polett has said, “No matter how smart you are or how well-educated, you will succeed if you work harder than anyone else.”
I know that you will work harder than anyone else. Your Temple education has given you the tools necessary to direct your own learning and growth. And when opportunities and inevitable challenges come your way, I know you will be ready.
I congratulate you on achieving this milestone.
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