Purdue University President France A. Córdova made these comments during commencement ceremonies on May 9-11, 2008

May 2008

Córdova to graduates: 'We believe in your potential'

Graduates, I know you have worked long and hard to reach this moment. Oh, the exams you've taken, the papers you've written, the text messages you've sent!

Today, all you're missing is your photo in a cap and gown on Facebook, grinning with family and friends, holding your diploma, with the caption, "I did it!"

Parents, I know how you are feeling. Our own daughter will graduate from college next month, an occasion that will bring us much joy -- and relief.

This is a very special Purdue class of graduates for me; it’s my first as President. Graduates, you have left an indelible mark on me and I will never forget you.

You are the graduates who will transform lives through teaching and scholarship, research and invention, engagement and leadership. You will transform the way we learn, and the way we live and work.

Commencement is the most wonderful time of year on a college campus because it represents what we are all about: Graduating people who are not only well prepared but are also excited about pursuing their futures, about the change that they will make.

Purdue is designed to be a challenging experience, to test your abilities and stretch your potential. You have met those challenges and succeeded, and you deserve the recognition you are receiving today. Congratulations, graduates!

Behind me on this stage, our trustees, university administrators and academic leaders are looking at you and envisioning the future you will shape. It is an exciting vision for all of us; we believe in your potential.

Our outstanding faculty has taught you and prepared you well. Your success is their success. But there are still some lessons to be learned.

One of my favorite poets, Edna St. Vincent Millay, noted: "I am glad that I paid so little attention to good advice; had I abided by it, I might have been saved from some of my most valuable mistakes."

You will learn from your mistakes as you go through life. But hopefully your Purdue education has prepared you to keep those "hard lessons" to a minimum.

This is an exciting time when new graduates are eager to add their insights about what Purdue has meant to them.

I would like to share with you one of those insights. It is from one of your fellow graduates, and it appeared recently in the student newspaper. I read his words carefully because I know this young man from my many meetings with students this past year.

He started his farewell to your class with this quote: "Just because you can't see a star doesn't mean you can't reach for it." He described four wonderful years at Purdue. He talked about the support he received from friends and, yes, even administrators. He said that here he had been given the opportunity "to learn, grow and have fun at a world-class university." He urged students that remain here to "take advantage of what this university has to offer."

And then he offered some advice, like: "Don't be afraid to ask questions." To this I would add, it's your questions that define the kind of person you are - your curiosity, your drive. Your questions, in fact, can create pathways to discoveries, to making breakthroughs, to effecting the change you want to see. So keep asking questions!

This student also urged others to get involved. He described the fun he had joining activities, the people he'd met who will be lifelong friends, the joy of working toward and achieving goals with others. He's achieved some significant goals, quiet goals that do not receive attention. His reward is knowing how sweet even a quiet success can be, when done in service for others.

And, finally, he urged all students to have fun, saying that "half of what you learn in college is done outside of the lecture hall." How refreshing to equate having fun outside the classroom with part of the learning experience.

"Our work," he said, "is a continuous process and never finished. Excel in your future work place, and spread your Purdue enthusiasm and spirit."

To which I will add: graduates, you will always be part of the Purdue family. Return to campus and share your new joys with us, and help us mentor a new generation of students - ones who will look to you for wisdom and, perhaps, a guiding hand. Link "excel" and "enthusiasm" in everything you do.

This day is just the beginning; that's why it's called commencement. We've taught you much, but we've left you much more to accomplish. You will face some of the world's largest challenges ever - including the quest for global peace and understanding. Your leadership in education and cooperation have the power to transform the world, and your research and engagement can address global health needs, poverty, environmental degradation, and the challenge to find cleaner, cheaper sources of energy.

Your outstanding Purdue education, in short, has prepared you to pursue not only your own dreams, but also to advance the hopes and dreams of people everywhere.

It is our hope that your Purdue experience has taught you a love for service. Your lives will be enriched by helping others.

Winston Churchill put it this way: "We make a living by what we get. But we make a life by what we give."

This day won't be complete without a hundred thank yous - your thank yous to your teachers and your mentors, your family and friends, and for the student whose words I quoted earlier, his guide dog. "Just because you can't see a star doesn't mean you can't reach for it."

Graduates, you could not have done it without a lot of help. Please turn to your parents, grandparents, family and friends and wave to them in appreciation.

Happy Mother's Day, moms and grandmoms!

Congratulations, Class of 2008!

Reach for the Stars!

Hail Purdue!

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