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My reflections upon CW’s 100th Commencement Ceremony

Posted on June 9, 2016 - Posted in: Blog

I was delighted to participate in our 100th Commencement ceremony of The College of Westchester on Thursday, May 26, 2016. This also marks the first year of our second hundred years as an institution.  I congratulated the members of the Class of 2016 and lauded the effort and commitment that led to their success. “I always challenge new students at their orientation prior to starting classes that I want to see them at commencement, and here you are!  You know as well as I that focus, diligence and hard work got you to this place, your graduation.  Savor this moment, but set new goals and let this be one of many of your successes in life.”

The Commencement ceremony itself was very special, with deserving award winners, student speakers, alumni honorees and a keynote speaker who spoke to the very soul of our many entrepreneurs and businesspeople, and to their families.  Mr. Harry C. Alford, founder, president and CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, spoke with passion about his humble beginnings, his desire to succeed and how he has made it happen for himself and for his family.  He urged the graduates to do the same, telling them that they should find ways to make opportunities for themselves, and to persevere and work hard.

In this time of new beginnings, we can all reflect on where we have been, where we are now, and where we want to go.  Rather than thinking of what we don’t have, on our shortcomings or failures, think about our strengths, our talents, and what we have learned.  Use those as a roadmap for how to get to the next step.  Set goals.  Envisioning goals, big or little, can help us reach goals. 

Keep in mind that we can only affect the present moment, and now is the time to take action on behalf of your own goals and dreams.  Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you.  Make them happen.  And when opportunities present themselves, take advantage of them now, if they are right for you.  They might not come along again in the same way.

As our graduates have reached this wonderful milestone of completing college, we can all be inspired by their hard work and singular focus, by creating and reinvigorating our own focus and belief in self.  Just as we support others, we can ask for help to get where we need to go, and know that our successes lift up everyone around us as well.

I’ve been around for 40 of those 100 CW commencement ceremonies.  They have changed over the years, but one thing always remains the same; we are inspired by our graduates, thrilled along with their families for the wonderful things that life has in store for them. 

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