President Bill Destler

First of all, congratulations to all of the graduates and to your friends and family. Reaching this point in your life's journey is not easy, and your hard work has finally been rewarded.

In this short speech (after all, I'm signing this speech), I have good news and bad news to offer you.

The good news is that you are now college graduates and you have finally grown up.

The bad news is that you are now college graduates and you have finally grown up.

What do I mean? Well, your life's journey as an independent person has begun, and that's a good thing. Your future will be a good one as long as you work hard and follow your dreams.

The bad news is that your journey will not be an easy one. You are almost certain to fail before you succeed, and there will be both sadness and happiness as you live your lives. But, you can influence how much of each you encounter by following a few simple rules:

Be kind, not cruel.

Be a giver, not a taker.

Be confident, but not arrogant.

Give love, not hate.

Keep in touch with your family and friends.

Don't be afraid of change. Change is almost always a good thing.

Make new friends inside and outside of your work. You will need both.

Once more, congratulations to all of you. Come back and see us often.