Congratulations to the 2008 graduates!
Chancellor Mark Wrighton
Issue date: 5/5/08 Section: Forum
Commencement at Washington University is a wonderful occasion. Joining together with family, friends, faculty and staff, it is a time for us to celebrate and recognize all the accomplishments of our outstanding graduates. On this important day, we reflect upon new and lasting friendships, impressive contributions from our many student organizations and the discovery of knowledge in our classrooms and laboratories. I applaud each of you for your commitment to your education and to Washington University. Our community is a better place because you were here.
Those graduating in 2008 leave behind great legacies in the history of Washington University. It is nearly impossible to justly acknowledge all the remarkable achievements of our students, but it is worthwhile to highlight a few. Our undergraduates have engaged in community service at record levels-setting a very high standard for fundraising through such activities as Relay For Life, Dance Marathon and Mr. Wash. U. On the playing field, our athletic teams have enjoyed unprecedented success, with our women's volleyball team and men's basketball team both winning national championships during this academic year. Our law students placed first in an International Law Moot Court Competition. This high standard for excellence is a value that has been ingrained into our culture by all of you-a value that will be passed along to generations of students who follow in your footsteps.
Your presence here has enriched our University. Working with our world-class faculty, you have assisted in the creation of new knowledge, developed new approaches to solving some of our most pressing problems and challenged the way we think about the world in which we live. Students are the heart of every great university, and the intellectual commitment you have demonstrated to your field of study has strengthened Washington University.
As you contemplate the bright future and the journey that lies ahead, I offer this simple challenge to each of you: Do your best to make our world a better place. While the future is bright, we live in a world that needs your compassion, your intellect and your work ethic. There is much to be done, and I know you will accomplish a great deal in your chosen profession. Generations of young people across the United States will benefit from the education they will receive from you. Patients will live longer and more productive lives because of the treatment you will provide. Our corporations will develop better strategies and operating systems because of your innovative ideas. Communities will be enhanced by the art, music and theater that you create or perform. You will generate new solutions to the problems of poverty, hunger and homelessness. The stakes are high, but I have the fullest confidence that all of you will do your best to make our world a better place.
I join with the faculty and staff of Washington University in offering our most sincere thanks for sharing a part of your lives with us. Please accept my personal best wishes for continued success. I look forward to hearing from you-our newest alumni-about your achievements.
Mark Wrighton is the chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis. He can be reached by e-mail at wrighton@wustl.edu.
Those graduating in 2008 leave behind great legacies in the history of Washington University. It is nearly impossible to justly acknowledge all the remarkable achievements of our students, but it is worthwhile to highlight a few. Our undergraduates have engaged in community service at record levels-setting a very high standard for fundraising through such activities as Relay For Life, Dance Marathon and Mr. Wash. U. On the playing field, our athletic teams have enjoyed unprecedented success, with our women's volleyball team and men's basketball team both winning national championships during this academic year. Our law students placed first in an International Law Moot Court Competition. This high standard for excellence is a value that has been ingrained into our culture by all of you-a value that will be passed along to generations of students who follow in your footsteps.
Your presence here has enriched our University. Working with our world-class faculty, you have assisted in the creation of new knowledge, developed new approaches to solving some of our most pressing problems and challenged the way we think about the world in which we live. Students are the heart of every great university, and the intellectual commitment you have demonstrated to your field of study has strengthened Washington University.
As you contemplate the bright future and the journey that lies ahead, I offer this simple challenge to each of you: Do your best to make our world a better place. While the future is bright, we live in a world that needs your compassion, your intellect and your work ethic. There is much to be done, and I know you will accomplish a great deal in your chosen profession. Generations of young people across the United States will benefit from the education they will receive from you. Patients will live longer and more productive lives because of the treatment you will provide. Our corporations will develop better strategies and operating systems because of your innovative ideas. Communities will be enhanced by the art, music and theater that you create or perform. You will generate new solutions to the problems of poverty, hunger and homelessness. The stakes are high, but I have the fullest confidence that all of you will do your best to make our world a better place.
I join with the faculty and staff of Washington University in offering our most sincere thanks for sharing a part of your lives with us. Please accept my personal best wishes for continued success. I look forward to hearing from you-our newest alumni-about your achievements.
Mark Wrighton is the chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis. He can be reached by e-mail at wrighton@wustl.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Peter Cabrera
posted 5/16/08 @ 2:12 PM CST
Chancellor Wrighton,
Your message of congratulations to the class of 2008 has been tarnished by your recent decision to honor Schlafly despite the overwhelming opposition to this decision. (Continued…)
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