Cedar Crest College

Today is one of the milestone days of your life. You have certainly earned every smile, every tear, and every laugh. Many of you came here to Cedar Crest right from high school, and many of you came here after taking a detour. Each and every one of you is here today in your cap and gown due to your dedication and hard work. When you leave this ceremony today you will possess a piece of paper, and it will serve as a reminder of this achievement and what you can accomplish.

We might be a nation of millions of individuals, but we are all part of a community. (You have) an obligation to take what you have learned and use it for the greater good for the community. Without the fundamental understanding that we’re all in this together, you cannot be a productive member of our community. I believe personal responsibility is only the beginning. Sometimes you need to be the one to step up, to go to work, and to make the changes you want to see become reality.