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Graduates, it
seems that you just arrived here, and we were starting orientation.
Some of you were scared, some were focused, and some were downright
obnoxious, but we were glad you were here.
Along with the
faculty and staff of Manchester College, I urge you to carry the
spirit of your Manchester education with you.
One, deal
honestly and directly with problems in your relationships and in
your work. Your Manchester experience has taught you an alternative
to verbal attacks and physical violence. Your classes and
friendships have taught you ways to be honest and respectful. You’ve
seen great professors who do not agree with one another but who
respect one another fully. There is an alternative to violence –
whether it’s physical violence or the violence in our
words. Problems are inevitable in life. Choose the high road of
honesty and respect.
Treat others as
you want to be treated. Imagine this world if everybody would treat
others as they want to be treated. We all want to be cared for. We
all want to be listened to. We want to get credit for the good
things we do. To make that happen, we need to care for others,
listen to them, and acknowledge the good that they do. It starts
with each of us, not them. And it starts right now.
Third, treat the
earth well. A Kenyan proverb says: “The earth was not given to you
by your parents. It is loaned to you by your children.” To care for
the earth does not require a complete change in your life – but it
requires small decisions every day. Drive less and walk more. uy an
energy-efficient car – as soon as you can afford one. Use everyday
dishes and silverware you can wash and reuse rather than disposable.
Graduation parties are an exception. Use energy carefully – turn off
lights and appliances when you’re not using them; take shorter
showers. Don’t litter. If just one person does these things, it
won’t make much difference. But if we ALL do it, the impact will be
immense. Start today.
Fourth, pass on
the gifts you have been given. You worked hard to graduate, but you
didn’t do it alone. Your families supported you. Your professors
challenged you. The College gave you scholarships. In fact, the
average amount of scholarships that Manchester College awards a
student for four years is $49,468. Those scholarships are possible
because alumni who never met you donated to the College so you could
study here. Sometime in the next year, I hope you will each donate a
gift, even if it’s just $50 to Manchester College, not to make the
president feel good, but to help a student who follows you. People
did that for you. I hope you will pass on that gift. Winston
Churchill was right: We make a living by what we get. We make a life
by what we give.
With your
impressive achievement today come wonderful new opportunities. You
are people of ability and conviction, and we are proud of you. |
