2001 Fredericton Convocation
Graduation Address
Delivered by: Rogers, Edward S.
Content
"Remarks by Edward S. (Ted) Rogers, President and Chief Executive Officer Rogers Communications Inc." (28 October 2001). (UA Case 69, Box 3)
Graduates and Honoured Guests:
It is a great honour and distinction to receive this degree from a university, which is known across Canada as a unique institution, which has produced so many talented leadership graduates over the years.
Indeed, the Maritimes historically are the incubator of the Canadian nation—A part of Canada with a rich history—and in my view, unparalleled opportunity for the new millennium.
This is why Rogers companies are expanding in New Brunswick—creating a thousand and more new jobs and many more enhanced opportunities.
We are opening a 700-person call centre in Moncton subject to agreement with Government. We are expanding our cellular coverage throughout the province—building more Rogers Communications and Video stores and rebuilding our cable systems in Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton to world class standards for high speed internet data, telephony and video communications systems.
We believe in the future of New Brunswick and the Maritimes—just as you do! This morning, my wife Loretta and I went to Florenceville to visit Harrison McCain who has done so much for this university and our country.
My brief message to you today is never, ever give up!
Be an innovator—be for constructive change. Meet new people and make cold calls. Work and play till you drop.
(pause)
My father died at 38 when I was 5 years old. He was an inventor and businessman who didn’t have a lot of life insurance at 38. His businesses were sold or shut down after his death.
My vision—energy—and passion came from my mother who instilled in me the drive to restore the Rogers name in communications. This goal—and my family—have consumed my life.
I have received a lot of support from family and friends—my wife Loretta—my sister Ann (who graduated from UNB)—my second father John W. Graham and our four children.
All of us experience setbacks and hiccups along the way. I certainly have! But never give up—find a way!
(pause)
Remember where you’ve come from! Don’t just "take" as you carry on through life. Give something back! Remember your university—give something back every year through the rest of your life to say thank you to UNB and help the new generation of students who will take your place.
Our nation needs more passion—energy—drive and pride of whom we are!
Patriotism is not the last refuge of a scoundrel—patriotism is what binds us together as a people!
Hyphenated Canadian is a political expression from the last century.
We are all "Canadians"!
It is a time to take our place as vital partners in a North American sense.
And for all of us to say loud—clear—and often
I love Canada!
Thank you and God bless.
Graduates and Honoured Guests:
It is a great honour and distinction to receive this degree from a university, which is known across Canada as a unique institution, which has produced so many talented leadership graduates over the years.
Indeed, the Maritimes historically are the incubator of the Canadian nation—A part of Canada with a rich history—and in my view, unparalleled opportunity for the new millennium.
This is why Rogers companies are expanding in New Brunswick—creating a thousand and more new jobs and many more enhanced opportunities.
We are opening a 700-person call centre in Moncton subject to agreement with Government. We are expanding our cellular coverage throughout the province—building more Rogers Communications and Video stores and rebuilding our cable systems in Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton to world class standards for high speed internet data, telephony and video communications systems.
We believe in the future of New Brunswick and the Maritimes—just as you do! This morning, my wife Loretta and I went to Florenceville to visit Harrison McCain who has done so much for this university and our country.
My brief message to you today is never, ever give up!
Be an innovator—be for constructive change. Meet new people and make cold calls. Work and play till you drop.
(pause)
My father died at 38 when I was 5 years old. He was an inventor and businessman who didn’t have a lot of life insurance at 38. His businesses were sold or shut down after his death.
My vision—energy—and passion came from my mother who instilled in me the drive to restore the Rogers name in communications. This goal—and my family—have consumed my life.
I have received a lot of support from family and friends—my wife Loretta—my sister Ann (who graduated from UNB)—my second father John W. Graham and our four children.
All of us experience setbacks and hiccups along the way. I certainly have! But never give up—find a way!
(pause)
Remember where you’ve come from! Don’t just "take" as you carry on through life. Give something back! Remember your university—give something back every year through the rest of your life to say thank you to UNB and help the new generation of students who will take your place.
Our nation needs more passion—energy—drive and pride of whom we are!
Patriotism is not the last refuge of a scoundrel—patriotism is what binds us together as a people!
Hyphenated Canadian is a political expression from the last century.
We are all "Canadians"!
It is a time to take our place as vital partners in a North American sense.
And for all of us to say loud—clear—and often
I love Canada!
Thank you and God bless.
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