May 11, 2007
The Commencement Speech
Washington State University Tri-Cities, in its eighteen-year history, has had the pleasure of serving motivated and curious students whose ambition is matched only by their spirit. Students, faculty, and staff have formed a community where individuals of diverse cultural, political and social backgrounds come together to work and learn, and the ongoing dialogue is lively and engaging. The hallmark of our student body is a desire to effect positive change in the world outside the classroom, and many have combined their talents and interests with what they learn here to fulfill needs within the larger community. Working as individuals and as a team, WSU Tri-Cities students are known for their dynamic qualities and practical efforts.
Many in our graduating class are parents and professionals with full time careers and family obligations. They are veterans, military spouses, older part-time students, career changers and traditional-aged full-time students. Some of our graduates have had a relatively brief journey from their first enrollment to their last final exam. For some it has taken many years. They have come to WSU Tri-Cities for different reasons and from different walks of life, but they all share a common conviction that through education, they will create a better life for themselves, for their families, and for their communities.
Graduates, you have met the challenge and seen your program of study to its conclusion. Your strength and determination is evidenced by your presence here today. We recognize that arriving at this point in your lives has required sacrifice, dedication and commitment — and not only on your part, but also on the part of your families, your friends, and your employers. Those who stood behind and beside you on this journey share in the celebration of your success and accomplishment today. Graduates, please stand and applaud those who have supported you in this journey.
Each one of you has the capacity as a citizen to make an impact in the workplace, to be a positive role model for our youth, to inspire and bond our community through involvement and hard work. This dedication is especially evident in your commitment to your education, your families, your work, and in your willingness to devote your time to organize, lead, and participate in campus events. Let me tell you just a bit about the Class of 2007, their achievements and leadership.
- This year, a record number of students participated in a very successful blood drive for the Red Cross, donating over 75 pints of blood.
- Last weekend students formed a team to walk in the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” and to take part in campus Breast Cancer Awareness events.
- The Associated Students of WSU Tri-Cities organized a Veteran’s Day ceremony, which was attended by over 200 people, to honor the students, faculty and staff who have served or still serve in the military.
- Our students pulled together to support the Virginia Tech student body after the tragic events on their campus. Students wrote messages on a large sympathy banner that they then mailed to the student body president at Virginia Tech. That banner was hanging and visible today at Virginia Tech’s Graduation Ceremony. Graduates, thank you for reaching out to others with your heartfelt concern and sympathy.
- Students marched in the Mexican Independence Day parade in Pasco.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was celebrated with a public lecture by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Leonard Pitts.
- Black History Month was commemorated with a powerful public lecture that chronicled the history of African Americans in the Tri-Cities.
Our graduates have transformed their lives and positioned themselves to be successful in this community or where ever they may live, and in their chosen careers. They are better human beings and citizens of the world. And they have done the same for us. For their stories, as they progressed through their courses, have touched us and enriched our lives in so many ways.
I wish I could share with you the stories of all 351 graduates, but we would be here until the commencement of 2008. Nonetheless, let me share a few examples that are so representative of the Class of 2007, for they are wonderful, inspirational, and life affirming. They are why we are here.
Graduates, when I say your name, please stand and remain standing. Audience, please hold your applause until all of these individuals have been acknowledged.
Instilling the value of education and setting an example for her children motivated Michelle Johnson to meet the challenge of managing the Radiation and Health Technology Group at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and going to school — all while raising teenagers. In fact, Michelle returned to school to pursue her master’s degree at the same time her son started his first year of college. Seven years later, her efforts have paid off. Michelle graduates today with a master’s in computer science and her son now has three bachelor’s degrees, is working on his master’s and her daughter has just enrolled in college. Her advice: just take it one semester at a time and don’t quit — eventually, WSU Tri-Cities will let you go!
Described as exceptionally polite, a joker, worldly, mature, and "totally without mullet," Juan Angel Melendrez is a ten-year veteran of the Army. He served in Kosovo and then, in the middle of his first semester studying mechanical engineering, Angel was deployed to Iraq, patrolling Southern Baghdad’s dangerous Sader City district. Returning home 18 months later, Angel picked up his studies, took on several engineering internships and managed all the while to keep his classmates entertained with his ready wit. The future looks bright for this accomplished young man. Angel has accepted a position as staff engineer for Energy Northwest, and he and his wife recently welcomed their first baby girl.
For Lisa McCurley, becoming a nurse has been a lifelong dream. A dream realized today after many years working in the commercial and financial world, raising a family and following her husband’s work transfers from Santa Barbara to Mexico, New Jersey and finally here to the Tri-Cities. Lisa wasn’t sure if she would be here long enough to finish her degree, but knowing that the nursing field was truly the right place for her, she enrolled. J ust as she began her second semester, her husband was sent across the country to work on a two-year Katrina relief project. Even with the added strain on the family, Lisa earned recognition from the International Nursing Honor Society, and found time to volunteer as a court advocate for children in the foster care system and be a vocal participant at nurses’ legislative day in Olympia. Lisa, a bilingual speaker, has already secured a position at Lourdes Medical Center in Pasco with the eventual goal of working in critical care.
Tim Tate has seen a lot of changes at WSU Tri-Cities. Arriving on the campus in 1991 as a young 20-year-old junior, he often found himself the only undergraduate in his 400-level environmental science courses. At that time, the Bookie, our book store, was in a trailer in the parking lot and the CIC hadn’t been built. Along the way, Tim married, had children and began working at Advanced Nuclear Fuels, which is now Areva. A family issue kept him from working on his degree for a few years, but Tim, by now the Manager of Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness at Areva, did return and graduates today with his B.S in biological science with a GPA of 3.9 and carries the College of Science’s banner.
All dreams live in the future, says Susan Thorsten. Except today. Because after nine years of working toward her degree, this single mom, who at times held three jobs, realizes hers. Over the years, there were times Susan thought to herself, “What is the point of graduating only a few years before retirement? How would it benefit me, really?” Well, it turns out that the benefit of her experience extends far beyond the workplace. Susan discovered the absolute thrill of learning, how to embrace challenges, and be terrifically satisfied with her successes. She learned never to fear the unknown, but rather to let it unfold and reveal its secrets. Graduating today with her degree in digital technology and culture, Susan says she is looking up, already working toward other dreams she wants to explore through her newly discovered interest in film making.
When Jorje Moreno’s mother moved her family to the United States from Mexico, she had no more than an elementary school education. Nevertheless, this single mom arrived with a belief that through education, a better life was possible — a belief she impressed on her children. Jorge, for whom English is his second language, became the first in his family to graduate from high school, and now today, becomes the first to graduate from college. In addition to the support of his family, Jorge found encouragement from community organizations, such as the Math, Engineering, Science and Achievement or MESA program, for whom he works today. Jorge has found his passion in giving back to the community — in motivating students to obtain their educations. By sharing his experience, he is helping parents understand the process of sending their kids to college. As an uncle to 19 nephews and nieces, Jorge says he wants to set the standard high, to be a role model who shows them they can achieve anything in life.
Debra Thurston never thought she would go to college. Back in the late ’70s, she, like many of her contemporaries, started a family just out of high school. She came to the Tri-Cities in the early ’90s and began working for the Kennewick School District as a secretary. That experience and her current position as a business education teacher at the New Horizons Alternative School in Pasco inspired Debra to get her degree. Working full time and raising a family, she went to school part time, over many years. Last year Debra was close to graduation when her husband developed a brain tumor. She took time off to care for him and then returned to the classroom. She credits her professors for nurturing and encouraging her. How they taught and what they shared gave her great motivation. She found the small learning community here and rigorous academic discussions empowering. Debra is graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and is now ready to pursue her next goal of becoming a school principal. She will begin the master of educational administration program this fall at WSU TC.
Adrianna Saenz is passionate about encouraging kids to go to college, especially those who have never thought they would or could go. Working for the MESA program, Adrianna reaches out to minority high school students, many of whom have just moved here from Mexico, to encourage them to think about a degree in math or science. Drawing upon her own cultural experience, she especially tries to help girls understand that higher education is the key to independence in life. She knows it is not easy. Adrianna was married when she was 18, started coursework at Columbia Basin College with two boys at home and worked full time. Earning her degree in social science sometimes meant missing out on her kids’ baseball games and activities — but Adrianna’s desire to be a counselor and a positive role model for her children has seen her through.
In February 2001 Anthony Milewski’s wife came home from the Mayo Clinic with a diagnosis of encephalitis and a prognosis of six months to live — it has been over six years since that day. Today, as Tony graduates magma cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in history and prepares to begin work on his master’s in teaching here at WSU Tri-Cities this fall, people are amazed at how he manages to work full time, go to school and take care of his wife and five children. I would like to share Tony’s response to that amazement. Tony will tell you that he is blessed. Blessed with the understanding of how precious life is — how every single day is a gift to be enjoyed and used to the fullest. He will tell you that we all need to think about what we really want in life and work toward our goals today — for there is no guarantee of tomorrow. Tony is here today with his wife Monica, their youngest daughter, Kristina, and Monica’s mother.
Class of 2007, your teachers, your advisors, your mentors, and I have the utmost confidence that all of you will succeed in any path you choose.
Ladies and gentlemen: the Class of 2007!
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Class of 2007, I think you must start there.
Lead by example. Apply your education, adhere to the right decision over the easy one, take risks, make the tough choice, however unfavorable, and be proud of it. Allow yourself to be eloquent in your purpose and steadfast in your principles.
And when you feel yourself drifting or becoming dormant, challenge yourself again. For life is too short and too beautiful not to live up to your potential. Be courageous, take chances, and be “true” to yourself.
The future is not tomorrow. It is not distant. It is today. And its hope lies in you. Congratulations!