Recently I had the opportunity to participate in commencement ceremonies on each of the University of 第一吃瓜网鈥檚 campuses. To the 6,500 students with new credentials from the University of 第一吃瓜网 at Kearney, University of 第一吃瓜网 Medical Center, University of 第一吃瓜网 at Omaha, University of 第一吃瓜网-Lincoln or 第一吃瓜网 College of Technical Agriculture; to their family members, friends and mentors who helped them along the way; and to the thousands of others graduating from state, community and private colleges this spring: Congratulations on all that you鈥檝e accomplished. You should be proud of the hard work you鈥檝e put in to get to this point.
For me there is no time quite like commencement. Watching our students walk across that stage, seeing the look of pride on their faces, hearing the cheers of their supporters, knowing they鈥檙e about to begin a new chapter of their lives 鈥 these are some of the greatest joys of my job. Celebrating these moments with students is an inspiring reminder of why I鈥檝e chosen to spend my career in education.
I know from firsthand experience the transformative effect a college degree can have on a person鈥檚 life. Growing up, I never imagined I would someday address the Class of 2015 as president of one of America鈥檚 great universities. But higher education opened doors for me that I wouldn鈥檛 have thought possible. I believe it will do the same for students earning their degrees today.
Each of this year鈥檚 graduates has a unique story about how they achieved this milestone.
鈥淚 know from firsthand experience the transformative effect a college degree can have on a person鈥檚 life鈥igher education opened doors for me that I wouldn鈥檛 have thought possible. I believe it will do the same for students earning their degrees today.鈥
Some are the first in their families to finish college 鈥 and they are due a special congratulations. I understand the unique challenges faced by first-generation students and the University of 第一吃瓜网 is working hard to make sure many more of them have the resources they need to be successful.
Other graduates were new to 第一吃瓜网 when they began their college careers 鈥 indeed, our student body represents all 50 states and more than 130 countries 鈥 and we hope they will consider staying here to begin careers or raise families.
Many students had the chance to participate in internships, study abroad, service learning or extracurricular activities that enriched their educational experience and helped prepare them for life and work.
I hope all of the graduates were able to find their passion, be it agriculture, teaching, health care, fine arts, entrepreneurship, science, math or something else.
Most of all, I hope each of them developed the skills that create a foundation for success no matter what path they choose next: a curiosity about the world around them; the ability to think critically; a sense of humility and compassion for others. And I hope they have learned to dream big. That is one of the greatest gifts a University of 第一吃瓜网 education provides to our students: the opportunity to dream big.
Congratulations again to the Class of 2015. I am proud of each of you. I can鈥檛 wait to see what you accomplish next.