Valedictory Address

“Valedictory Address” (16 May 2001): 1-7. (UA Case 68, Box 2)

Your honor, Madam President, Members of the Board, Honoured Guests, Fellow Graduates, Family and Friends:

Thank you for being a special part of our special day. Graduates, I would like to begin by congratulating us all on our worthy accomplishments. All of the all-nighters, and all of those full days too, have finally paid off. As much as we agonized with them, I’m sure we will miss them, as they have come and gone so quickly.

I’m sure we can all recall vividly our first day at UNB. We arrived here wide-eyed, full of hopes and fears too. But we were ready to take that next big step in our lives. We were new students who didn’t have any idea how much our lives would change over the next few years. Like the leaves on the trees around campus right now and every springtime, we just were beginning to unfold.

And like those tender leaves that grow and mature over the seasons, we too have grown and changed. We have experienced many new things and are much richer because of the experiences and opportunities we have had here. Some of them were everyday occurrences that we could always count on, like the smell of a dorm, always having somebody to sit with in the cafeteria, the impossible task of finding a parking spot, or the dreaded walk up the steep hill! Late night talks with friends were particularly important to out growth.

Also like those leaves, we have weathered difficult times. There were many times we thought we would never get everything finished on time. But we did. My mother always said, “When you walk across the stage to receive your degree, I want to know that you worked hard to deserve it.” I did, mom. We all did, and we’re pleased and proud.

Now we’re moving on with the knowledge we acquired not only from all that hard work in the classroom but also from outside it. It will guide us in the years to come.

A relative passed along some words of wisdom that I would like to share.

I’ve learned that you can keep going long after you think you can’t.

I’ve learned that either you control your attitude, or it controls you.

I’ve learned that my best friend and I can do anything, or nothing, and have the best time.

I’ve learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you’ll see them.

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I’ve learned that no matter how badly your heart is broken, the world does not stop for your grief.

I’ve learned that we don’t have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I’ve learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see two totally different things.

I’ve learned that just because somebody doesn’t love you the way you want them to doesn’t mean they don’t love you with all they have.

I’ve learned that credentials on the wall do not make a decent human being.

I’ve learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. The same goes for true love.

Our time here has passed quickly. We will always treasure these years because of the fun we experienced, the challenges we overcame, and the lessons we learned. Now we are moving on to greater challenges. By sitting in this very room with our cap and gown worn so proudly, we have proven that we are ready for the next challenges that life will present us.

To our family and friends, I would like to say we couldn’t have made it here today without your unconditional love and support. Your encouragement has been crucial to our accomplishments and success.

I would like to close with some words of advice from the wise Dr. Seuss as we take the next big step in our lives.

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You’re off to great places!

You’re off and away!


You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself

any direction you choose.

You’re on your own. And you know what you know.

And you are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

You’ll look up and down streets. Look ‘em over with great care.

About some you will say, “I don’t choose to go there.”

With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,

you’re too smart to go down any not-so-good street.

And you may not find any

you’ll want to go down,

In that case, of course,

you’ll head straight out of town.

It’s opener there

In the wide open air.

You’ll get mixed up, of course,

as you already know.

You’ll get mixed up

With many strange birds as you go.


So be sure when you step.

Step with care and great tact

and remember that life’s a Great Balancing Act.

Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.

And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!

98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.

Kid, you’ll move mountains!

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting,

So, get on your way!