WEBVTT

00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:19.000
[music]

00:00:23.000 --> 00:00:29.000
Weiss: Graduating students, family and friends of our students, honored guests, faculty and staff members, 

00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:37.000
welcome to the 155th annual commencement ceremony of Western Oregon University

00:00:38.000 --> 00:00:46.000
[applause, cheering]

00:00:47.000 --> 00:00:57.000
[singing]

00:01:09.000 --> 00:01:16.000
Although these commencement exercises mark the completion of a major chapter in your lives and the culmination of years of effort, 

00:01:16.000 --> 00:01:21.000
we believe that even more challenges and rewarding chapters lie ahead.

00:01:21.000 --> 00:01:28.000
We trust that higher learning you have gained on this campus will serve you well in your new beginnings.

00:01:29.000 --> 00:01:39.000
This year we welcome two representatives of the class of 1962, Steve Trout and Dr. Gerald Girod. 

00:01:42.000 --> 00:01:46.000
As Golden Wolves they symbolize the rich history this institution has in producing 

00:01:47.000 --> 00:01:52.000
outstanding graduates and the esteem with which this university holds to its alumni

00:01:55.000 --> 00:01:67.000
Not standing today but reserved in his honor is a seat with a black ribbon for our beloved professor, Dr. Hank Bersani. 

00:02:09.000 --> 00:02:15.000
Please join me in expressing our appreciation to the outstanding faculty at Western Oregon University.

00:02:18.000 --> 00:02:26.000
Class of 2012, let us shake off this notion of defining our lives by fulfilling expectations like placing check mark on a list.

00:02:27.000 --> 00:02:33.000
instead let us explore the world from our own perspectives and from the point of view of others

00:02:33.000 --> 00:02:37.000
Let us sketch designs for our lives but look forward to their inevitable metamorphosis.

00:02:38.000 --> 00:02:43.000
Let us allow laughter and love to be the link that bonds our trials to our triumphs. 

00:02:44.000 --> 00:02:48.000
Let us act with grace and class and live for the betterment of others. 

00:02:48.000 --> 00:02:54.000
Above all else, let us be generous with our time, with our love, and with our lives.

00:02:55.000 --> 00:02:60.000
I guess the question that I really had to answer is why are we all really here today?

00:03:00.000 --> 00:03:03.000
Most would answer that we are here today to receive our diplomas,

00:03:04.000 --> 00:03:09.000
to celebrate the ending of a time in our lives crammed with exams and homework deadlines,

00:03:09.000 --> 00:03:13.000
or to acknowledge the culmination of our vast educational experiences.

00:03:13.000 --> 00:03:21.000
I would say that it's about the triumphs and defeats that have pushed us, molded us, and made us into who we are today.

00:03:21.000 --> 00:03:26.000
It's about our readiness to face failure and our determination to succeed.

00:03:27.000 --> 00:03:31.000
To my mother and father, who always pushed me, and to all the moms and dads, 

00:03:32.000 --> 00:03:68.000
the people who have invested in our educations, there is one word: thank you.

00:03:38.000 --> 00:03:45.000
I'll leave you all with a quote from Malcolm X. 'Education is the passport to the future. Get on board.'

00:03:46.000 --> 00:03:53.000
I know this is going to be a very long day for everyone, so therefore I promise to keep my comments brief.

00:03:53.000 --> 00:03:56.000
(cheering)

00:03:55.000 --> 00:03:65.000
Even better. I also feel this occasion calls for a special head adornment, so if you will allow me, please.

00:04:06.000 --> 00:04:10.000
(cheering)That's my favorite hat.

00:04:10.000 --> 00:04:15.000
Have confidence in your abilities. Be strong enough to take whatever steps needed to accomplish your goals. 

00:04:15.000 --> 00:04:23.000
your commencement is just that. It is not an ending, but the beginning of a new chapter in your life.

00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:27.000
You should all be excited for the stories and lessons that lie ahead.

00:04:27.000 --> 00:04:33.000
Weiss: To quote Mario, our benefactor, who passed away earlier this year,

00:04:27.000 --> 00::.000
Weiss: To quote Mario, our benefactor, who passed away earlier this year,

00:04:34.000 --> 00:04:39.000
'100 years from now it won't matter how much wealth we had or how much prestige,

00:04:40.000 --> 00:04:48.000
but if along our path of life we gave a helping hand to fellow human beings, it will make a difference.'

00:04:50.000 --> 00:04:61.000
Ladies and gentlemen, again, I present our university graduates of 2012. Graduates, congratulations.

00:05:01.000 --> 00:05:08.000
(applause, cheering)

00:05:08.000 --> 00:05:28.000
[music]