Purdue News
Purdue News"There is something very special about being here for this occasion," Beering told students and family members in Elliott Hall of Music. "Since 1983, when I came to Purdue, I have participated in more than 150 commencement exercises. Many of the men and women on this stage with me today have sat through almost as many. And yet it never gets old. We continue to look forward to it.
"We celebrate the achievements of the past, and yet we focus on the future. We see the true magic of human potential as the people who will build the world of tomorrow prepare to make the most of a great education. Today, dreams come true, and new dreams are born."
Beering noted that the 875 students eligible for degrees have come from many different backgrounds. "Among today's graduates are students who always have known they would earn a degree from a great university. Beside them are those who a few years ago could not have imagined reaching this milestone. Some of you are the kind of gifted learners who have found it all quite easy. Others had to fight for every grade point. You may be just beginning your adult lives or you may be in mid-career.
"But each of you today can take equal pride in your achievement and each of you can look to the future with unlimited optimism. Education empowers you as nothing else in the world can, because it gives you a foundation on which to build experience and wisdom.
"Each of you came to Purdue with your own dream. It may have changed along the way, but that's OK, isn't it? This was a learning and growing process. You aren't the same person you were four or five years ago -- or even last year. We accumulate experience. We change and we grow. That is what makes life fascinating."
Beering congratulated the students on their achievement and reminded them that their education must continue beyond the classrooms and into the laboratories of life.
"You will live in a human community with endless potential for progress and unlimited fascination," Beering said. "Your experience at Purdue has given you the capacity to be among that world's leaders. It is up to you to accept the challenge and to decide how you will serve."
This was the 172nd commencement at Purdue. The university has been recognizing summer graduates at the West Lafayette campus every year since 1984.
Of the 875 students eligible to receive degrees, about 425 earned undergraduate degrees, about 280 earned master's or educational specialist degrees, and about 170 received doctoral degrees.
Pedro Salcedo (sal-SAY-doe), Lima, Peru, gave the student response. He earned a bachelor's degree from the School of Management.
jmw/Beering.gradspeech/9708f14
Source: Steven C. Beering, (765) 494-9708
Writer: J. Michael Willis, (765) 494-0371; e-mail, mike_willis@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
