WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:15.000 [music] 00:00:16.000 --> 00:00:40.000 [horns playing "pomp and circumstance"] 00:00:45.000 --> 00:00:51.000 Good morning, it's a fine morning and fitting that we use it so well for this celebration 00:00:51.000 --> 00:00:57.000 Those of you who graduate from Western Oregon University today will always remember 00:00:57.000 --> 00:00:62.000 this formal celebration of your accomplishment. For most of you, 00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:08.000 today's ceremony represents the realization of a dream, the attainment of a goal, 00:01:08.000 --> 00:01:15.000 to earn a college degree which took shape years ago. We admire the hard work and determination. 00:01:15.000 --> 00:01:17.000 which have brought you success 00:01:17.000 --> 00:01:25.000 Each year the alumni association presents its highest award, the alumni award of excellence to a former student who has achieved 00:01:25.000 --> 00:01:32.000 distinction on a professional level, who has been involved with his community, and who's integrity stature 00:01:32.000 --> 00:01:36.000 and demonstrated ability are such that the faculty, the staff, the 00:01:36.000 --> 00:01:40.000 students and the alumni of Western Oregon can rightfully take pride. 00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:44.000 For his past and continued service to the state of Oregon, 00:01:44.000 --> 00:01:51.000 we'd like to present this year's 2011 alumni award of excellence the honorable judge Marco Hernandez. 00:01:52.000 --> 00:01:61.000 I was the commencement speaker in 2006, I got to be the Delmer Dewy award winner in 1983, 00:02:01.000 --> 00:02:08.000 and your most recent Delmer Dewy award winner told you to stay in contact with your 00:02:08.000 --> 00:02:15.000 school and to wear its badge proudly, I can tell you after 28 years, you have no choice 00:02:15.000 --> 00:02:19.000 they will find you 00:02:20.000 --> 00:02:24.000 Our speaker is also a doctor of veterinary medicine 00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:30.000 with an active practice please join me in welcoming our fifth district congressman, 00:02:30.000 --> 00:02:35.000 the honorable Kurt Schaeder. 00:02:35.000 --> 00:02:41.000 Now that isn't to say that everything in life is gonna be this straightline trajectory, I make it out like it just happened, 00:02:41.000 --> 00:02:47.000 there have been ups and downs all along the way, I lost my first race for the state legislature, 00:02:47.000 --> 00:02:51.000 I relied on the advice of senate president Courtney at that time, (laughter) 00:02:52.000 --> 00:02:57.000 I got a new political advisor and actually won my second one. 00:02:59.000 --> 00:02:65.000 Some people, they lose a race or get turned down for a job and you feel pretty bad about it, 'aw man, I'm embarrassed, 00:03:05.000 --> 00:03:09.000 I don't wanna do that again, and I put myself out there and got shot down,' 00:03:11.000 --> 00:03:19.000 Well, don't do that. Don't let the setbacks determine what you do or don't do, 00:03:20.000 --> 00:03:24.000 dust yourself off, get up and try again. This is a great country, 00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:29.000 and this is a great state, doesn't matter who you are, what walk of life you come from, 00:03:29.000 --> 00:03:33.000 if you put some effort in, and have a half decent idea, 00:03:33.000 --> 00:03:38.000 you'll be surprised at the support you'll get. You got that support right here at Western Oregon University. 00:03:38.000 --> 00:03:42.000 A little bit about this class that you're in as you graduate, 00:04:05.000 --> 00:04:08.000 out youngest graduate is 20 years 00:04:08.000 --> 00:04:13.000 old our oldest graduate is 64 and is receiving a bachelor's degree, 00:04:13.000 --> 00:04:17.000 there are eight husband and wife teams graduating. 00:05:03.000 --> 00:05:08.000 Ladies and gentlemen, again I present our university graduates for 2011. 00:05:08.000 --> 00:05:16.000 Graduates congratulations, [cheering]