List of Lincoln University (Pennsylvania) alumni

Transcription

>> Good morning. The summer commencement ceremony begins with the entrance of the candidates for graduation from Pennsylvania College of Technology, led by the school's dean. Please join me in welcoming the candidates for graduation. [ Music ] Please stand if you are able, and gentlemen, please remove your caps and join me in singing the National Anthem. [ Music ] [ applause ] Please be seated. Seated in the auditorium are family and friends who have, in many different ways, supported these candidates to reach for the goals represented by the ceremony. On the platform are the college faculty and staff, who have motivated, encouraged and inspired these students as they completed their coursework and their college experience. And before us are the candidates for graduation, who have become good friends, mentors and colleagues, developing relationships that will serve them well as they move into the future together. We join them as members of an extended support network to celebrate our involvement with these candidates and to witness their accomplishments. That celebration now begins. Presiding over the summer commencement ceremony is the president of the Pennsylvania College of Technology, Dr. Davy James Gilmore. [ applause ] >> Good morning and welcome to the beautiful Community Arts Center and to our commencement ceremony honoring the class of 2011. Today you become part of a very proud legacy. For nearly 100 years this institution has prepared men and women to thrive in a changing world. To enter the workforce and to advance into positions that will influence the future. As we celebrate your commencement today, we also look forward to the contributions that you will make in the days to come. This is truly a ceremony that honors the past, the present and the future. As we appreciate the efforts you put forth in order to reach this milestone, I ask that you take time today during the celebration and acknowledge the support that you have received from your family, your friends, your faculty and your staff mentors. This day is important to all of us, and I hope it is a day you will remember forever. >> I'd now like to introduce Mr. Elliot Strickland, Chief Student Affair's officer. [ applause ] >> Chairman Dunham, President Gilmore, distinguished faculty and staff, parents and guests, and most importantly members of the August 2011 graduating class, it is my pleasure to introduce your August 2011 student commencement speaker. Now Ken Kellard [assumed spelling] is not your average student. In fact, I would wager that he may be the most fascinating student commencement speaker that I have ever had the pleasure to introduce. Ken began his experience in higher education in 1970 as a chemistry major at NDM University of Pennsylvania. He went on to graduate with his Bachelor of Science in Animal Industries and his Master of Science in Animal Industries and Reproductive Physiology, both from Penn State University. In 1983, Ken earned his PhD in Animal Industries and Animal Nutrition from Penn State, and began to work at the University of Delaware as a livestock extension specialist. In 1985, Ken was lured back to Penn State as a faculty member in the Department of Dairy and Animal Science, where he currently holds the rank of professor of animal science. Now, Ken's interests go well beyond his specialized field of swine management. He would call himself a pig farmer, but it's much more than that. He actively worked web the National Ski Patrol for many years, and about 10 years ago he began to think about a new adventure as a paramedic and EMT. He has recently begun a phase retirement process at Penn State which allowed him, in 2010, to begin the paramedic technician program at Penn College. Ken was nominated for this honor by three of the faculty in the paramedic program. they described him as, and I quote, a model student, a leader in the classroom, having a humble nature and eager desire to learn, and possessing an intelligent sense of humor with respect for others. Ken is, and I quote, quite simply one of those people who you want to get to know better, an absolutely fascinating person. I think that you can gain a perspective on the way someone teaches by how they learn. If that is true, then Ken must be an incredible teacher at Penn State. He graduates today with a perfect 4.0 in the paramedic technician certificate program. it is my pleasure to introduce your August 2011 student commencement speaker, Dr. Kenneth B. Kellard. [ applause ] >> Thank you, Mr. Strickland, for that generous introduction. Good morning, faculty, administrators, fellow students, friends and family members. It's my honor and pleasure to speak on behalf of today's graduating class. When Dr. McLean invited me to serve as a student speaker, she made it very clear that a five-minute speech would be a long one, but a I promise not to approach that time limit. I would, however, like to comment on a few aspects of our experiences here at Penn College. First I wish to express my appreciation to the faculty and staff. I have long been impressed with this institution, but I didn't fully appreciate the quality of education until I was enrolled as a student. Having served as a faculty member at Penn State for the past 26 years, I can say without hesitation that the instructors here are world class. The laboratory facilities are state of the art, and countless internships help us transition from the classroom to reality. Penn College is clearly a first-class institution that has prepared us for a variety of technical fields. Second, fellow students, we have every right to be proud of our hard work, our accomplishments and the degrees that we have earned. At the same time be grateful to your friends and families for their support and encouragement. I would like to publicly thank my wife Trish for her understanding and continued support as I complete this endeavor and begin a new carrier. By the way, we were married 36 years ago one week after I received the Bachelor of Science degree. I vividly remember telling Trish I would never go back to school. She didn't hesitate to tell me I was wrong, so my heartfelt advice to all of you, listen to your spouse and never pass on an opportunity to advance your education no matter how old you are. Finally I want to emphasize the importance of providing opportunities for a technical education, because our society gets more complex by the day and we will forever need technicians who understand computer technology, automobiles and construction equipment. We'll need accountants and business managers, we'll need chefs and hospitality managers. We'll need nurses and PAs and even paramedics. These are just a fraction of the programs taught at Penn College. In 10 years the list will be longer and the cost of education will be higher. To every legislator, company representative and benefactor who is here today, we need your continued support to make technical education an affordable opportunity. Thanks very much for your attention and congratulations and good luck to my fellow graduates. [ applause ] >> The mentorship award recognizes alumni or businesses that have made significant or ongoing contributions to the education and development of Penn College students. This year we honor Emily Falo [assumed spelling] as a member of the class of 2001. At the time of her graduation she was one of the first to complete our Bachelor of Science degree in culinary arts technology. She was a Dean's list student and she was among the group of students from the School of Hospitality invited to work with a company that provided food service at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby. That experience meant a lot to her. A few years later she was instrumental in securing an invitation for Penn College students to return to the Kentucky Derby, working under a new Food service provider and her employer leaving the restaurant. As one of those [inaudible] chefs, Emily worked alongside 10 college students and faculty at the derby events from 2007 through 2010. Our students returned from the Kentucky Derby and had the door open to new experiences, challenges and rewards linked to the planning and execution of major international sporting events. In addition to the derby, the students have had the opportunity to participate with leading restaurants at the Rider Cup and the Breeder's Cup. Emily distinguished herself in her field over the last 10 years. After starting as a kitchen supervisor with Aramark in 2001, she became the first female executive chef for leading a restaurant, sports and entertainment group at Lincoln Financial Field, the home of the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles, where restaurants provides premium dining services. She has traveled the country supporting nine race tracks involved in the NASCAR and Indy race tours. She continues to travel in support of large-scale sporting events such as the derby, Breeder's Cup, the NCAA championship and other NFL games. Emily now holds the position of director of operations at Ripken Stadium, the leading restaurants in Aberdeen, Maryland. In this position she offers summer internships and job opportunities to Penn College students. Leading restaurants also offer summer as well as full time positions to Penn College students. In her spare time, you'll find her spending time with her family, playing lacrosse, swimming or biking. We are very pleased to present the 2011 mentorship award to Emily Phalo [assumed spelling] who has been a true mentor, enthusiastically supporting our Penn College students, programs and faculty. Congratulations. [ applause ] [ background noise ] >> The college service award is identified in our senior programs, and until about 15 minutes ago the recipient was going to be surprised. Today the college mate is the symbol of our institutions and it was carried in this ceremony by the head of the faculty. This is a tradition that dates back far into our community college days. We adopted and maintained this practice because it helps convey to our community the centrality of the faculty to our mission and the mission of the college and the fundamental contribution that faculty leadership plays in the overall operation and success of the college. We have another tradition that is associated with these ceremonies, commencement [inaudible] honor not only the graduates who are central to our focus today, but we also recognize distinguished [inaudible] faculty and outstanding alumni, as we just did. In doing so, commencement becomes a celebration of the graduates and the college in total. Far less frequently, the college needs to honor its commencement certain members of the community associated in some way with the college who are pivotal to our success. To do so, the college service award is presented. Since its inception in 1982, the award has been made to 15 individuals, and today we will add to that number. I referenced the earlier tradition of the mace. As head of the faculty, that mace has been carried onto the stage for commencement ceremonies for 20 years by assistant professional of electrical construction James Temple. As the president of the Faculty Association, Jim has played a key role in the evolution of the college, the expansion of its programming, especially in the baccalaureate arena, insuring that the college's relationship with the faculty always typifies professionalism and dedication to the maintenance of a student-centered learning environment. While his association position requires that he often broker a different position and present them to the college, Jim always adopted the role of working together to resolve problems. Jim joined the faculty in 1984. He earned the rank of assistant professor in 1987, and became head of his department in 1989 and was elected president of the Faculty Association in 1991. His contributions to the teaching profession were recognized in 1986, with an Excellence in Teaching award, so it gives me great pleasure today to recognize the many accomplishments and contributions of James Temple to the Pennsylvania College of Technology by presenting him with the College Service Award. [ applause ] >> Generally speaking I don't like suppresses in front of large groups, but that 15 minutes notice, what more could you ask for? Thank you, I really do appreciate it. I want to say to our graduate's thank you for sharing a little bit of your day with me. It is your day. If I could have a wish for you it would be that as you go out and get those jobs that you've worked so hard for that you love your job as much as I love mine. God bless, and savor the day. Thank you. [ applause ] >> Ladies and gentlemen, as many of you know, the legal corporate body of the Pennsylvania College of Technology is its board of directors. This is the body that by our harbor has the final responsibility for the governance welfare and all other interests pertaining to the college. So some responsibilities are delegated ultimate authority rests with the board. At this time I would like to call upon Dr. Robert Thumb [assumed spelling], chairman of the board of directors, to authorize conferring of degrees at this ceremony. >> Dr. Gilmore, members of the faculty, friends, of course, the graduating class of August 2011. I know this is a very special day for all of you. The degrees you are earning have come from hard work and dedication, the wisdom and guidance of your faculty, and from the support and encouragement of your family and friends. On behalf of the board of directors, I congratulate you on your success and for those faculty friends and family, I thank you for your support. And now I turn my attention to my official job. Dr. Gilmore? By virtue of the authority vested in the board of directors of the Pennsylvania College of Technology, I authorize you on behalf of the board to confer on each of these candidates the degree earned as certified by the appropriate dean. [ background noise ] >> Will the candidates for the Bachelor of Science degree please rise. [ background noise ] Dr. Gilmore, from the recommendation of the faculty I am pleased to inform you that these women and women have satisfactorily completed the requirement for the Bachelor of Science degree. >> By virtue of the authority vested in me by the board of directors of the Pennsylvania College of Technology, I do hereby confer upon you the Bachelor of Science degree that you have earned, with all of its rights and privileges and with congratulations from the faculty, the staff and the administration. Congratulations. [ applause ] >> You may be seated. Will the candidates for all associate degrees and certificates please rise. [ background noise ] Dr. Gilmore, upon recommendation of the faculty I am pleased to inform you that these women and women have satisfactorily completed the requirement for their respective associate degrees and certificates. >> By virtue of the authority vested in me by the board of directors of the Pennsylvania College of Technology, I do hereby confer upon you the certificates and associate degrees that you have earned, with all of its rights and privileges and with congratulations from the faculty, the staff and the administration. Congratulations. [ applause ] You may remain standing, thank you. And would the baccalaureate graduates please stand up and [inaudible] over there. You have entered into this theatre a few minutes ago as candidates for the certificates and degrees that you have earned, and a few moments ago those were conferred upon you. As a symbol now of your entry into the world of educated women and men, I ask you to join me as I turn the graduation tassel of your class representative. This symbolizes that you are in fact now a graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Congratulations. [ applause ] You may be seated. As individuals and institutions we pass through clear stages of development, points in time where we grow in new roles and new responsibilities, this ceremony is a transition event for all of you graduates. Today we will recognize individuals with academic honors. As I look out there are lots of them out there today. The gold, silver or white cords that are worn during these ceremonies will identify our honored graduates for you. White is for honor, silver for high honors and gold for highest honors. In addition, we will recognize graduates who are members of Phi Beta Kappa, their gold stoles and gold tassels will identify them, and white stoles will identify our graduates who are members of the Alpha Chi honor society as well. I'd now like to recognize our veterans. You will be able to identify them by their red, white and blue cords who are graduating, and these are veterans who have served on active duty, as well as those currently serving in all branches of the military and will our veteran graduates please stand. [ applause ] While you are standing, while you are standing I'd like to tell you about the veteran students who attend Penn College. We are proud to have three purple heart recipients, five bronze star recipients, 76 Iraq service medal recipients and 17 Afghanistan service medal recipients, and we are grateful for their service. Thank you and congratulations. [ applause ] You may be seated. At this time, Carol Strickland, the assistant vice president of Academic Services and the respected pool of representatives will present each candidate. Now we know that you want to capture this moment in time and you are encouraged to do so. We simply ask that you leave the area in front of the official photographer open so they can capture their assignments as well, but otherwise our ceremony now begins. [ background noise ] >> President Gilmore, I present the graduates from the school of Business Computer Technology. >> Peggy A. Blook [assumed spelling] [ applause ] [Inaudible]. Eugene A. Carr [assumed spelling]. Michael K. Leeson [assumed spelling]. Miranda R. Toner [assumed spelling]. [Inaudible] Reynolds. Taylor C. Theery [assumed spelling]. Adrianna L. Glotz [assumed spelling]. Britney Lynn White. Comesa Lorill Cunningham [assumed spelling]. Vignetta M. Dow [assumed spelling]. Samantha Lee Kelly. Mandy Francis Miller. President Gilmore, I present the graduates from the School of Construction and Design Technology, Weston S. Capp [assumed spelling]. Jeffrey L. Lubkis [assumed spelling]. Robert Nicholas Almiller [assumed spelling]. Shawn Patrick Harris. President Gilmore, I'm proud to present the graduates from the School of Health Sciences. Allisa Marie Covez [assumed spelling]. Laurie Ann Koda [assumed spelling]. Nancy Lorraine Krauss [assumed spelling]. Catherine Anne Depossit [assumed spelling]. Megan Vilian Surfin [assumed spelling]. Adam Jacob Barker. Danielle L. Farson [assumed spelling]. Jamie Lynn Bennett. Cassandra Day Fudman [assumed spelling]. Erica S. Comfor [assumed spelling]. Nicole C. Conrad. Leslie K. Beam [assumed spelling]. Kaylee C. Doorman [assumed spelling]. Destiny N. Stoufield [assumed spelling]. Courtney Jo Egger [assumed spelling]. Becky L. Seagall [assumed spelling]. Alaina Elizabeth Gordnor [assumed spelling]. Carissa M. Green. Robin L. Hampton [assumed spelling]. Bethany Dawn Hayes [assumed spelling]. Missy Dawn Hollonbach [assumed spelling]. Nancy Anne Ivy [assumed spelling]. Albert Linwood Jones Jr. Chelsie M. Klingerman. Ryan Michael Koser [assumed spelling]. Stephanie A. Kramer [assumed spelling]. Whitney M. Little [assumed spelling]. Rebecca Lyn Meyer [assumed spelling]. Deanna Miller. Susan L. Pout [assumed spelling]. Jamie Lynn Sayer Grader [assumed spelling]. Renee Thenise Rector [assumed spelling]. Amy Rose Spencer. Katie Ann Starr [assumed spelling]. Eugina Woodrin [assumed spelling]. Craig David Yoder [assumed spelling]. Amanda Marie Farr [assumed spelling]. Samantha Ashley Pock [assumed spelling]. Ashley Nicole Iams [assumed spelling]. Erin K. Riley [assumed spelling]. Vanessa Karen Dover [assumed spelling]. Casey Lynn Weaver. Kara J. Alred [assumed spelling]. Sara Rue Buffwater [assumed spelling]. Carleen L. Habit [assumed spelling]. Tierney M. Ernest [assumed spelling]. Andrea N. Frirely [assumed spelling]. William L. Gillen Jr. [assumed spelling]. Chelsie Lynn Haynes [assumed spelling]. Jenna Elaine Haynes [assumed spelling]. Caitlynn Marie Kreger [assumed spelling]. Jenna Marie Lawrence. Stacie R. McCourt [assumed spelling]. Jennifer M. Myers [assumed spelling]. John Noviello [assumed spelling]. Roseanne Marie Bissett [assumed spelling]. Ashely E. Stokes [assumed spelling]. Vanessa Straub [assumed spelling]. Ashley Michelle Tedesco [assumed spelling]. Jocylen Yohanna Thomas [assumed spelling]. Mallory Christine Thompson [assumed spelling]. Jessica L. Tose [assumed spelling]. Adrienne E. Tripp [assumed spelling]. Caitlynn Mollie Teach [assumed spelling]. Joseph A. Lubkovski [assumed spelling]. Vindu Elias [assumed spelling]. Jeremy David Goode [assumed spelling]. Mary Catherine Stratton [assumed spelling]. Sara S. Graybill [assumed spelling]. Andrew V. Vukin [assumed spelling]. Thomas W. Lloyd [assumed spelling]. Phillip Christopher Longnecker [assumed spelling]. Julie A. Luckman Wilcox [assumed spelling]. Mary Ann Mayhem [assumed spelling]. Nathan Misef [assumed spelling]. Timothy M. Herman. Matthew C. Hilderson [assumed spelling]. Eric Dustin Roman [assumed spelling]. Alex John Ravino [assumed spelling]. Kayla Sue Rush [assumed spelling]. Lauren Yetzer Shaver [assumed spelling]. Alisha N. Signbacher [assumed spelling]. Matthew David Stoltz [assumed spelling]. Cameron Austin Schweigert [assumed spelling]. Ganar Krauss [assumed spelling]. Monisa B. Wagner [assumed spelling]. Nichole Marie Waylan [assumed spelling]. Amy Radich Zabroski [assumed spelling]. Katie A. Winter. Rodolph L. Kareb [assumed spelling]. Hasan Alhaza [assumed spelling]. Ali Almusa [assumed spelling]. Faheed Algonzi [assumed spelling]. Ibrahim Almahu [assumed spelling]. Matthew Gary Barner [assumed spelling]. Amelia Bly Fores [assumed spelling]. Alec Michael Duwal [assumed spelling]. Mustafa A. Kazoli [assumed spelling]. Matthew A. Worshaw [assumed spelling]. Timothy Allen Weaver [assumed spelling]. Lester T. Bailey II [assumed spelling]. Matthew C. Barringer [assumed spelling]. Dale S. Glover. Brian John Yunkin [assumed spelling]. Karen A. Adams. Garrett Ryan Anderson [assumed spelling]. Autumn Renee Fixen [assumed spelling]. Jason Michael Jarrett [assumed spelling]. Steven C. Lipz [assumed spelling]. Micahel Anthony Lucas. Amanda Michelle Mistrocko [assumed spelling]. Pete McGee [assumed spelling]. Jaclyn Sabo [assumed spelling]. Alice A. Pastelli [assumed spelling]. Lisa Marie Shrively [assumed spelling]. Melissa Jean Silvey [assumed spelling]. Stacie N. Wendt [assumed spelling]. Metlana [inaudible]. Amanda M. Baker. Kathryn Helen Chargit [assumed spelling]. Britney Anne Mead [assumed spelling]. Callie N. Rhime [assumed spelling]. Marina Scott [assumed spelling]. Lindsey K. Phonn [assumed spelling]. Ashley M. Young. >> President Gilmore, it's my honor to present the graduates from the school of Industrial and Engineering Technology. >> Nicholas C. Lafrando [assumed spelling]. Lance B. Richardson. Amanda Lynn Hatkins [assumed spelling]. Bradley C. Foster. >> President Gilmore, I present the graduates for the school of Integrating Studies. >> Alisa Marie Campbell [assumed spelling]. Andrew J. Goodwin [assumed spelling]. Nicholas Paul Bogleson [assumed spelling]. >> President Gilmore, I present the graduates of the school of Natural Resources Management. >> Kellen T. Fogerty [assumed spelling]. Cody Ryan Bowman. Evan Gray Bumgartner [assumed spelling]. Keith Andrew Gaye [assumed spelling]. Caleb William Crix [assumed spelling]. Malview W. Lee [assumed spelling]. Darrin J. Limerick [assumed spelling]. Brandon Joseph Bigler [assumed spelling]. Donald Frederick Hasenplug Jr. [assumed spelling]. >> President Gilmore, I'm pleased to present the graduates of the School of Transportation Technology. >> Ian Joseph Kahn [assumed spelling]. Zachary C. Peter [assumed spelling]. Joseph Peter Gallo. Peter Sebinski Kodesek [assumed spelling]. David F. Pessetti [assumed spelling]. Docolla S. Cope [assumed spelling]. Brandon Lee Feldhiem [assumed spelling]. Mabil Omar Assad [assumed spelling]. And Kenneth P. Kephart [assumed spelling]. [ applause ] [ background noise ] >> Your connection with Penn College does not end today. You are all now members of the Penn College alumni association and that is the link between you and your alma mater. I encourage you to keep in touch with us. We want to hear - you're going to hear from alumni relations monthly to let you know what's going on on campus, but it's important for us to hear about your successes. We hope you come back to campus from time to time to see what's new at Penn College, but mostly to tell us what you're doing in the world and how successful and proud you're making us. Now, of course, you and I both know that the best way you're going to do that is through Facebook. Right? Right. So don't forget your friends, isn't that nice that I know that, on the alumni Facebook page. I'm counting on it, so we can know what's going on. Everybody's ready to go to lunch. Everybody's ready to see if it's still raining outside, and how we'll negotiate the exit of everyone out of this building. But before that happens, I'm going to ask you to give me just two minutes of your time, and with all due respect to your family and friends here, I'm really just going to speak to the graduates for the next few minutes. It's my honor to do so on behalf of the faculty behind me and the college staff and faculty who have spent the last one, two or four years with you. So if I could for just a moment. Good job, you did well today. You turned your tassels, you walked across the stage and you made everyone in this room very proud of you. They all smiled, clapped and called your name. it's another page for the travels of your life. You've done a good job, not just here today at the ceremony, but also for the last several years of Penn College. You've earned your degree and that's a good job and well done. Today you heard the applause, but like all applause in life the buzz is going to die. You'll make it through the weekend and through today's celebration, but the buzz will fade, and we know that days of applause for us are rare. So when no one is clapping that's when I want to talk to you about. When nobody is taking scrapbooks for your photographs in your book of life, how will you know if you're doing a good job? When there's no test to study for, when there's no grades to earn, when there's no licensure or board to take, how are you going to know what's your measure to decide if you really are doing a good job? What is a good job? Often when we ask people why they go to college they say they want to get a good job. What does that mean to you? I would suggest to you that it means something different to all of us. We have to define it in terms of our own personal success. There really is no one right way to define it. A good job is one that gives you a sense of pride, purpose and a connection to the world around you. A good job is one that gives you opportunity to use your talents and your knowledge and your skill to make life better, not only for yourself but perhaps most importantly for the people around you. You see, doing a good job is often more than good for someone else. >> Sure, right now you're thinking about earning a great paycheck, be honest, but your real sense of accomplishment will come with knowing that you're making a difference in the life of someone else. The voice of wisdom anonymous states it very simply. To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the whole world. What you do with your degree is really going to matter. It's going to matter to your family and your workplace and your community. It's going to make a difference to your classmates sitting beside you today and to the rest of the Penn College family. Today you become part of an incredible group of people, and what you do with that and how you share it with others, including your Penn College family, will make a difference. Make the most of every opportunity to do a good job. make a positive impact on the people around you. You enter a whole new phase of life today as a college graduate, and I'm not sure you realize just how special you are. You are a very small minority in the world population. In the United States where we have great access to education, more than many nations of the world only 28 percent of the population have earned a college degree. Now take a minute and let that sink in. you may not have realized it until now but you are a part of a very privileged group of people. You have done what millions dream of doing, and that's getting a college education. But this is not the end of your efforts. It is now your responsibility to put your degree to work and do a good job in the world. You're not going to hear applause every day. You're not going to earn a grade and tell you you're passing or failing, but will you know when you have done a good job, and you'll know it when you see influencing other lives. Now it's time now to accomplish what you started dreaming about years ago. The author Maya Angelou said, "Nothing will work unless you do." I often think of that statement when I hear people worrying and complaining about the state of the world. Nothing will work unless you do. Opportunities come to those who work. Now I don't mean that people can't fall on hard times, we do, and sometimes people experience the downfall, but over the course of my life I have come to believe that those people willing to face challenges will prevail. Their hard times will turn and they will turn around because they have persisted. They will keep trying until they realize their dream, as you have today. Nothing will work unless you do. Now you're ready to go to work, we know that. You're going to get a job or you have a job and you're going to make up your mind to do that. We know that without a doubt. You're going to put forth your best efforts, you're going to listen and learn and respond and you'll be ready when each new opportunity comes your way. You will no doubt remember a few mornings when you didn't really feel like getting out of bed and going to class. You will remember teachers who were just too tough, or papers you thought were just too difficult. You'll remember project partners you'd like to forget, when they failed to complete their part of the assignment. You could have had a good excuse but you wouldn't be here today if you gave up. Aren't you glad you didn't? nothing will work unless you do, so take the lessons you've learned, keep applying them day after day, week after week and year after year and you will be amazed at what you can become. The lyrics of a song that was popular a few years ago told us, and I quote, today is when your book begins. The rest is still unwritten. With each action you take you write a story, make it a life you want to remember, make it a life you want others to remember. Do it for yourself, do it for your family and friends, and do it for all the people in the world. The people in the world who never got to be where you are today, a college graduate. Do a good job and you will always have the fortune for having a good job to do. Now it's our time to say goodbye, and that's not easy. As I told some of you last night it's difficulty. You've been part of our lives for the last few years and you've left a mark that will be difficult to replace. So with my final words I say congratulations to the August class of 2011. Go out into the world and please make this college proud. Thank you. [ applause ] >> I invite those who are able to stand. Gentlemen, remove your caps and everyone join in the singing of the Penn College Alma Mater. The words may be found on page 2 of your program. [ background noise ] [ Music ] Thank you. Please be seated and remain seated until the platform party has recessed. [ Music ] >> We ask that the audience remain seated while the graduates exit next. The ushers will conduct your recessional. At the conclusion of the recessional, the theater will remain open for families to connect so you can take pictures. Congratulations. Good day. [ Music ]