Commencement
Sunday, May 14, 2006-- 2:30 p.m.
Susquehanna University
James W. Garrett Sports Complex
Selinsgrove, Pa.
Commencement Remarks by President L. Jay Lemons
Good afternoon and more importantly Happy Mother's Day. My name is Jay Lemons and it has been my great honor and privilege to serve as president of Susquehanna University during this 148th academic year. It is a joy to welcome all of you to the campus for this beautiful occasion on this glorious day along the banks of the river from which we draw our name. I'd like to thank Alex Tanico for leading us in America the Beautiful. Also, special thanks to Kevin Henry and the SU Brass ensemble for their contributions to the ceremony and Judy White and all who participated in the Baccalaureate Choir this morning.
Members of the class of 2006, you came in with arguably the strongest credentials ever presented by an entering class at Susquehanna. I recall sharing with you in August 2002 that we had high expectations for you. As we celebrate your commencement exercises, I can assure you that you have fulfilled the expectations the faculty and I had for you.
On behalf of the faculty, staff, and Board of Directors I want thank all of you who have had a hand in helping these 449 students succeed. We are grateful for the opportunity we have had to bring you into the embrace of the Susquehanna University community. While graduation marks the academic achievements of these students, it does not bring to a close your place in the University family. Please know by your presence in the lives of these graduates you will always be a part of this family.
Graduates -- please stand. Turn to face the crowd. On this special day, please look around this audience for your mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, dads, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, and friends who have helped to light the way for you. To all of you who have been there all along the way, this standing ovation from the class of 2006 comes with grateful hearts and much love. Graduates will you share your appreciation.
If you are feeling pride today, I believe it is well founded. These graduates have distinguished themselves here in compelling ways that lead me confidently to know that these new citizen leaders will make great contributions as they begin their journeys.
The Class of 2006 has left an enormous mark on the institution and their legacy is large. Yet the legacy that excites me most is thinking about their collective gifts serving the larger world in the years ahead. The promise of great achievement, distinguished leadership, and heartfelt service is tremendous. You will realize the hope of Susquehanna's founders that the graduates of this institution dedicate themselves to making the world a better place.
At a personal level, I want to share with you what a pleasure it has been to share your time here at Susquehanna. From move in day and opening convocation to the experience of climbing Mount Mahanoy (with a record number of climbers, I might add) and sharing in your first alumni gathering at Pine Lawn Friday night with countless memorable experiences in between, it has been a joyous journey to share with you.
Let us reflect back to the formal beginning of your SU career. Think back to August 22, 2002 and move in day. Can you recall the mix of emotions you had on that occasion? Excitement about this new journey; anxiety about leaving home, family and friends; the uncertainties that come from beginning anew; and leaving a place where you knew love. In a different way today, I know you are experiencing another powerful mix of emotions.
At your Opening Convocation, I shared with you nuggets of advice from the faculty for becoming a part of the SU family. These pieces of advice included academic, lifestyle, and SU specific pearls of wisdom. Do you recall some of these gems: "Come prepared;" "Read your syllabus and assignments;" "Study everyday;" "Make us know you; Tell us your name often." "Ask more questions than you answer.* * Except on exams?"
How many of you heeded the thoughtful advice of one faculty colleague who accurately asserted that "sleep is your friend . . . that is sleep at night!"? Or, "Don't get any tattoos. You don't want to know how much it hurts to get them removed." I am still pondering which faculty colleague was the voice of experience with that one. On the SU front, how many of you stayed away from the tatertot casserole? And finally, how many of you learned that it is important not to step on the ginkgo berries?
On Friday evening, a member of the Class of 2006 asked me a momentous question, which I deferred answering because it deserved some serious thought and reflection. The question was straightforward, "What is the most important piece of advice you would wish for us to take from this place?"
In the spirit of bringing you full circle, going from the advice we shared with you as newcomers nearly four years ago to honoring the request of one of your number from Friday night, let me offer you a few brief thoughts.
I am reminded of a story recounted first at a Susquehanna graduation more than thirty years ago and presided over by President Gus Weber. Gus recalled his own experiences and leaving home to begin his journey. His mother asked him just before his departure, "Do you have everything?" Gus immediately assumed she meant his clothing, bedding, school materials, etc. Only much later did he come to realize that she meant not things, but qualities like intellect, integrity, values, healthy habits of heart and mind, and a commitment to service. As President Weber told the class of 1973, I believe you have everything you need to begin your journey. We believe you are prepared to lead lives of achievement, leadership and service.
In a few moments you will hear from Mr. Escalante. His inspiration to me and to teachers around the world is profound. I am always moved by the scene in "Stand and Deliver," where in the face of doubt and skepticism from his fellow teachers, he is asked about the appropriateness of teaching his students calculus. "Why do you think these students can be successful studying calculus?" asked one of this colleagues. Edward J. Olmos, portraying Mr. Escalante, says "Students will rise to the level of expectation." Pressed further on the matter, Mr. Escalante adds simply that the students will succeed because of "ganas" -- desire; their desire to learn and to push themselves.
As I shared with you at your Senior Convocation last month, seek to understand your calling, your purpose in the world, seek to understand how your gifts can make a difference. This can only truly be realized if you have "ganas." Find your desire, find your passion, find your calling, and find your own way to achieve, to lead, and to serve.
As I reflect back again to Opening Convocation 2002, I think I understand better the emotions your parents felt on that day. A mixture of pride, excitement about what is ahead for you, and the heart tug of saying good-bye and please do know that our hearts are indeed tugged!
I encouraged your parents to have the faith of the shipbuilder as they left you here and I told you that during your time here you would come to understand your place in the tapestry of human history. Members of the Class of 2006, it is with great faith that the faculty, staff, and I launch you on your next journey. You have come to be a part of the tapestry that is Susquehanna University and you are now ready to weave your own strands into the tapestry of human history. Let your threads be bright and your stitches in the world be brilliant.
Expect much of yourselves, know that you have all you need to be successful, and embrace the journey and your chosen purpose with ganas.
Congratulations and Godspeed.
