Graduation Address

“UNB Encaenia Address.” (28 May 2009): 1-4.(UA Case 67)

I cannot tell you what a great privilege it is for me to be here today to receive an Honorary Doctorate at your 180th Encaenia. Those of us involved in service to other never expect to be recognized this way.

I owe this honour in large part to the support of my family and friends, not only while I was an undergraduate 39 years ago, but also throughout the years since. I am grateful to my husband Bob, who shares this moment vicariously, our daughter Alyson, my sister-in-law Anna Lang, my colleague Christine Bates, and 3 of my UNB classmates: Jane Geddes, Barb Fox and Vivien Carson—thank you all for being here.

And I hope all of the graduates remember to thank your family and friends for helping make it possible for YOU to be here today.

I want to start by telling you a story, because I think it speaks directly to your experience.

After years of intense training, a young martial arts student completes the work for his black belt. His teacher asks him one last question: What is the true meaning of the black belt?

The student answers, “It is a well-deserved reward for my hard work.”
The teacher shakes his head and says, “You are not ready. Go study for another year.”

The next year, the teacher asks the same question. The student answers,
“The black belt is the symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our field.”
Again the teacher says, “You are not ready” and sends him for more study.
Another year and another answer. This time, the student says, “The black belt is the beginning of my studies—not the end. It is the start of a lifelong journey of discipline, work, and the pursuit of an ever-higher standard.”

The teacher says, “Now you understand. Take this black belt and go begin your work.”

Today and all days, you want to celebrate how far you’ve come, not think about the discipline and hard work that lie ahead in your future.

But, I like this story because it does ring true. You do have much to be proud of and you do have much to celebrate. Your degree today, like the student’s black belt, demonstrates achievement, hard work, and distinction.

But of course, your degree, like that black belt, also represents much more. It represents the beginning of the rest of your life’s journey.

So, later today—or perhaps tomorrow—what will you do? Some of you will go to graduate school. You will either earn further credentials or work in nursing, engineering, law, accounting, or business. Others of you will follow an unconventional path to a destination you can’t even predict.

But whatever you choose to do after today, remember this: your opportunities are unlimited.

You may be surprised to hear that because public discussion focuses on problems and challenges—the challenges of protecting our environment, our economic well-being, our health and healthcare, and our relationships at home and abroad.

Those challenges are real, and they can be daunting. You may wonder how, even with your education and your skills, you can help solve such complicated, complex problems.

The answer is relatively simple: You can help by serving others.

Consider this story. In early May of this year, the Red River ran swift and cold through Winnipeg, Manitoba. A teenager fell into the river from a bridge. Fortunately, Farrow Hall, a homeless man on a riverbank, saw him fall into the icy current, and he swam into the river and rescued the teen, without regard for the risk to himself.

Obviously, Mr. Hall had very few resources. But he saw a problem, he knew he could take action, and he did. He could have allowed himself to be intimidated by the challenge. He could have left the teen for someone else to save. Instead, he focused on how he could be of service.

Mr. Hall’s story could easily appear in a book called “Heroes Among Us”, by journalist John Quinones.

There is another hero in our audience today. In the early afternoon on September 9, 1980, Anna Lang, my sister-in-law, also displayed selfless courage to a very high degree in the rescue of her two car passengers. At the entry of the Hammond River Bridge, outside of Saint John, a fuel tanker hit Anna’s car and rammed it through the railing into the river. The tanker then fell into the river and exploded. Despite a concussion, rapidly-spreading fire, and the threat of further explosion, Anna swam to shore, removed her heavy clothing, and returned to the submerged car. At great risk to her life, she reached her passengers through a wall of fire on the surface of the water. With much difficulty, she dragged a woman and her four-year-old son a safe distance from the roaring inferno, and continued with both toward shore until two young men came to assist. She suffered extensive burns during the rescue.

In 1983, Anna was awarded the Cross of Valour, the highest ranking of the Canadian Bravery Decorations. She understands service to others and she is my hero.

These stories of ordinary people making extraordinary choices have one common element: service to other people.

Service doesn’t have to be as dramatic as saving a life.

- You or one of your colleagues may have a role in a scientific discovery that cures or prevents illness.

- You many develop a new approach to healthcare that not only reduces ill-health
but improves our overall quality of life.

- You may lead a business or non-profit organization, large or small, that helps put
innovative products or services into the hands of people who need them.

- You may find more sustainable ways to feed, clothe, house, and nurture people around the world.

- You may help create tomorrow’s teachers and influence students for generations to come.

- Or, you could raise money for a charity or simply shovel your neighbour’s driveway.

Where I sat where you are sitting, 39 years ago, I had just finished a wonderful educational experience here at UNB. Like you, I had great professors, including Miss Leckie, Miss Cutler, Carley Peplar, Mr. Burt, Elaine Cardy, to name but a few.

The classes were small, and the teachers and students listened and learned from one another. The university then, as now, was committed to giving us a high-quality education so that we could make a positive difference in the world.
So many similarities! Yet your experience has also been different from mine. You have access to new facilities and new equipment. You have new and exciting degree programs, internships, experiences in community problem-solving, and research. These innovations reflect Dr. John McLaughlin’s powerful yet pragmatic vision, his commitment to the core values of the University, and his exceptional leadership. Dr. McLaughlin, you exemplify the concept of service to others and the University has been very fortunate to have you as their dynamic leader and we value your years of dedicated service. You are a UNB alumnus who has truly made a difference in the world. I wish you continued success in the next stage of your growth and development.

I am equally confident that Dr. Campbell will continue to respect and build the University’s traditional strengths, which have given so many students so many opportunities to be of service to others.

For the University, as well as today’s graduates, the future holds unlimited opportunities.

Wherever your path leads—a forest, a classroom, a courtroom, an urban design studio, or a tent in a desert halfway around the world—you have the knowledge, skills, and resources to serve others. I hope you take advantages of the opportunities you find, and that you will make new opportunities along the way. Because you have much to contribute.

Of course, you can contribute because of the body of knowledge you’ve mastered during your time here. But that’s not all. Being here today shows that you can overcome challenges—what Randy Pausch called “brick walls.”

You may have heard of Randy Pausch, an American engineer and professor. When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he gave a speech and later wrote a book called “The Last Lecture.” This man knew a thing or two about brick walls. Here’s what he said about them: “The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.”

Everyone here today has overcome a brick wall. Maybe your brick wall was financial. Maybe you had to overcome health problems. Maybe it took you awhile to find your direction.

But you did it. With the help of your family and friends, you scaled that wall and are on the other side. Your presence here today shows how badly you wanted to overcome it.

You can rely on that same determination, along with your knowledge, to help address the challenges that will inevitably arise in the future.

You have much to contribute, and you know that the world holds unlimited opportunities to be of service to others.

Congratulations as you begin the rest of your journey. And thank you for this great honour and for allowing me to share your celebration.