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Commencement Address
Remarks by Frank J. Williams, Retired Chief Justice
May 15, 2009
President Di Pasquale, members of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, faculty, and staff — thank you for the invitation to speak here today at a truly momentous occasion. I am honored to do so. President Di Pasquale, let me commend you for your great leadership here at the Community College of Rhode Island, especially in these challenging times. Parents, relatives, and friends of today’s graduates, it is a joyous day for all of you. These graduates would not be here without your help, wisdom, and encouragement. Finally, members of the class of 2009: this is your day. We are celebrating all of your hard work over the last two years and the achievement of a goal that at one time seemed so distant. Congratulations class of 2009!
On an occasion such as this, it is natural that I would think back to my own graduation. I can assure you that I have no idea who the speaker was or what he said. I have no illusions that your experience is going to be any different. Much like I did, you want a short speech as you, too, are not going to remember who I am anyway. Frank J. Williams – W-I-L-L-I-A-M-S.
As I recall my own years as an undergraduate at Boston University, I have many fond memories of friends and professors, of the wonderful new worlds that were opened to me, the beauty of ideas that awakened creative energies, and the prospects for a new and productive life. I am sure you too will have such fond memories. The energy and leadership on your campus is astounding. From the first trip to the Nationals by the Lady Knights’ volleyball team this year to the college’s first ever e-waste collection event, CCRI is full of vigor and innovation.
It was not long ago that you arrived here. Some of you were fresh out of high school, while others were taking a brave leap from the working world to academia. But, together, you entered a world of strangers and left everything familiar behind.
I am here to speak to you not so much about the road you have just traveled, which believe me I know was both long and arduous. Instead I am going to talk to you about the even longer and more onerous road that lies ahead. There is a reason why today’s ceremony, which marks the end of your time here at CCRI, is called “commencement” day. We are here to celebrate what truly is the beginning of the rest of your lives. Some of you will be transferring to a four-year college in the fall, yet for others, this marks the first step on your professional path. For those of you taking a break from education, I encourage you to one day go back to school. Take it from me—there is nothing wrong with taking a break. I took a five-year break after college to serve in the U.S. Army and benefited greatly from the experience. Then I went back to school, and I urge you to do the same.
Take a moment to step back from the buzz and excitement of today’s festivities and reflect on the new opportunities that will belong to you the moment you cross this stage. Many of your accomplishments, some of your proudest ones, will not be met with such ceremony. So take the time to really appreciate this day. The world is yours. As new college graduates, you have the knowledge and the power to make a difference. Seize this opportunity.
But, as optimistic as you feel today, remember that you are graduating from college during a very difficult time. We are in the midst of a severe economic crisis, the worst I have seen in my lifetime, and the worst this country has seen in three-quarters of a century. We are engaged in wars against terror; acts of violence are being committed across the country with regrettable frequency; our ice caps are melting; countries possess weapons of mass destruction and are using or threatening to use them on neighboring countries; genocide and famine are rampant and we fear pandemics. The future is filled with uncertainty. Yet, we have, we must have hope — our state’s motto.
Most of you, nearly 94 percent, are Rhode Islanders. You have lived and worked in this state all of your lives. And for those from out-of-state, you are Rhode Islanders now as well. Currently, our state has very low self-esteem, due in part to the bashing by the media and some radio talk shows. All of this adds to an increasingly pervasive negativity. I urge you to never be persuaded by the “gotcha” culture that floods our lives. Class of 2009, you really are the future of Rhode Island. We need your talent and energy in our beloved state.
We also need courage to face the future. My greatest hero, Abraham Lincoln, had great courage. As Winston Churchill said, “Courage is rightly esteemed as the first of human qualities... because it is the quality which guarantees all others.” Lincoln was clear and self-confident in his beliefs. He learned to trust his own judgment, and although he made mistakes, they were not mistakes of self-doubt.
When most Americans think about Abraham Lincoln they think of his presidency, his efforts to preserve the nation during the Civil War, and emancipation. But seldom do we think about Lincoln’s underlying attributes, like his political courage, leadership, and compassion. These characteristics are undoubtedly what makes Lincoln so revered today and they are the characteristics that I would like to encourage you to develop.
Here are some tips that I hope will help. First, serve your community. Even though there is no community service requirement in the real world, it is still your obligation to give back to our democracy that has given us so much.
Recent presidents have not asked for much. We have become an “affluence intoxicated society.” For this country to meet the challenges it currently faces we must make a serious commitment to self-sacrifice and public service. There are many fine institutions of service, such as Americorps, Teach for America, the Peace Corps, or any of our distinguished branches of the military. I urge you to volunteer your many skills and talents to serve your communities. The people I admire most, those whose successes inspire me, are not the entertainers or sports figures with high incomes. Instead, they are the people whose dedication and determination are long term – the people who get up every day and “make the doughnuts,” who endure far beyond the “friction and abrasion” of our culture.
What will be asked of you is hard work. What will be expected is your best effort. Nothing will be handed to you. Life is a continuous challenge to achieve your goals. It is not how you enter the stage, but how you exit it that people will remember. Embrace the challenge. You have the “right to rise.” But remember, change will not come easily.
Second, be civil. Starting today, it is essential that you build partnerships and foster an atmosphere of collegiality among one another. Mediate disputes. In the midst of this struggle to be the best, you must cooperate with one another. This team effort can only enhance the quality of your life as well as our nation.
Third, do not jump to conclusions. Be thoughtful. Take a moment to reflect before reacting; this contemplation will bring you enormous dividends. Without these knee-jerk responses, you will have less stress in your life and be better equipped to exercise good judgment. It is tough today to be discerning. Often times the truth is difficult to ascertain, even here in Rhode Island.
Fourth, throughout even your darkest days, be positive. Abraham Lincoln was a man of honor, integrity, and character. He was a man much admired by his contemporaries. But Lincoln was also a man who garnered much criticism of his private and public persona. During his presidency, Lincoln suffered continuous assaults on his character from nearly every direction: the north, the south, and abroad. His height (6’4”) and long arms led newspapermen to label him a “baboon,” a “gorilla,” and the “Illinois beast.”
Another news editor called him “two faced,” which led Lincoln to respond in good humor: “If I had another face, why would I wear this one?” Lincoln remained true to himself and to his beliefs that the union of United States must be preserved and that the monstrous evil of slavery end. Being positive requires change and people resist change. As our former Secretary of State and my fellow Vietnam veteran Colin Powell once observed, telling people “no” pisses them off.
I don’t think that it is ever easy to accept criticism. But what matters is the ability to know the difference between the ludicrous and the valuable—to laugh when laughter is warranted and to accept that which will help you become a better person. I think it is called common sense.
I will leave you with one last thought—an idea that I believe to be paramount in the race of life is passion—you have to have a fire in the belly. Find something you love in life and pursue it. In choosing a career, make sure you select one that will leave you with endless curiosity, optimism, and hope. Listen not only to your head but also to your heart—it is the best career counselor. Class of 2009, I am here today because I am supposed to inspire you. But to be quite frank, all of you inspire me. I am inspired by your seemingly boundless energy. Hold on to it.
Now go out there and be amazing. And may God bless you.
