Seattle University Student Commencement Speech - 2005

Camera battery died during the speech, so some part was lost. Here is the text version:

We embarked on a journey 4 years ago, on September 16, 2001, with 643 strong. Since then, we have been on a roller coaster ride of finding ourselves, creating relationships, bearing through triumphs and endeavors, and of course, studying.

Seattle University has committed to us, by educating the whole person, by preparing us for professional formation, and by empowering us to be leaders for a just and humane world. After today, many of us graduates will face financial debt like never before. If you thought credits were trouble, just wait until those student loans come through. At least the interest rates are more reasonable, but only if you act now before July 1st.

Meanwhile, in celebration of this joyous moment, allow me to share some reasons why your investment was worth every penny.

We all began college with one path.

We all began college, one week after a national tragedy.

We all began college with new dreams and aspirations.

We have witnessed the first war of this century.

We have witnessed the death and rise of a new pope.

We have witnessed ourselves grow.

We have heard a record number of sirens in a 4-years span.

We have heard harmonious sounds of SU choirs.

We have heard much knowledge and wisdom from our professors.

We have been touched by diversity.

We have been touched by those who inspired us.

We have been touched by compassion and insight of strangers.

We have learned the value of time (especially during finals week).

We have learned the value of money (especially during laundry week).

We have learned the value of social justice (especially when we hosted Tent City, when we were faced with those who are less fortunate).

We have made our wild spring break trips.

We have made phone calls home asking for money.

We have made procrastination a new major.

We have made lifelong friendships.

We have endured homesickness, bad exams, and broken hearts.

We have endured the loss of loved ones.

We have endured our 4 years in college.

We believe that our success is a product of our hard work and dedication.

We believe that relationships created will last a lifetime.

We believe that Seattle University has prepared us to face our future.

In our paths, we are different in our experiences, but we are bounded by the same mission and journey. Therefore, we are here together today, waiting to embrace our achievements before those who have supported us. Waiting to complete our roller coaster ride... (this is where the camera battery died).

We each carry our own story of joy and pain that make us who we are today. And trust me, your $78,105+ investment was no doubt a smart one. Because we are one priceless group of outstanding individuals.

With that I leave you with one quotation from Morrie Schwartz: "Be compassionate. Take responsibility for each other. If we only learned those lessons, this world would be so much a better place."

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