Class of 2021

Good morning! It’s a great day to be a Badger, what do you think? It truly is – it’s wonderful to be here with you. What a day of celebration. Spring is here, the sun is almost shining, and hundreds of you are becoming alumni of NVU-Johnson– badgers for a lifetime --and we are celebrating your ambition, tenacity, your goal setting and the successes that put you in a place of honor today. I welcome you our graduates and your family and friends who played a role in encouraging and supporting you along the way.

Graduates, your educational experience at NVU undoubtedly will become more important to you as the years go by. You will remember something said or done that made a difference in your life. You decided to spend part of your academic life at NVU- Johnson and that has made all the difference, or better yet – maybe that WILL make the difference because much lies ahead for each and every one of you.

NVU-Johnson is different today than when you began your studies and you are also not the same as when you started here. Indeed what you have found during your time at NVU can now be used to a greater good as you go out into the world. Your families will benefit – your communities will benefit- your future employers will benefit. Some of you may make a difference in a public way with an amazing invention or leading an innovative company. Others may make a profound difference in hospitals and classrooms across this country.

Abolitionist and humanitarian Harriet Tubman wisely said “You have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world” So what started as your personal goals or maybe your private dreams can now be unleashed for the betterment of our world. How exciting!

What an opportunity to take what is within you and inspire and innovate. Yes, and change the world. NVU is known for having students who serve their communities, tackle internships, work in area organizations, and many of you have benefited from a head start in some of these projects and plans. You know how to lead by example. You know how to be inclusive. You know how to empower those working alongside of you and coming up from behind you.

Exactly how will you change the world? That will unfold. But the world awaits your talents and your energy and we are excited to see what you will do and where you will go. I am certain however, that you will go enabled and energized to succeed.

While today is a major milestone, it is just a point along the path of lifelong learning. You have worked hard. You must seek more opportunities however to work hard again and to improve your minds. As Abigail Adams said “learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought with ardor and attained with diligence.” Yet, while we know that there is much service, learning and work ahead, today we must celebrate and enjoy every minute. You have earned it!

We have enjoyed having you at NVU-Johnson. We are honored to have you as alumni of this institution and no matter where your goals take you, know that you will always have a home and place here.

Today is a day of new beginnings. Take what was offered within NVU, now within you – into our world to serve, to lead and make it better. I am fully confident you will.