Opportunities Await You

Commencement Address Dr. Kenneth E. Rowe December 15, 2001 Related Stories Ken Rowe to Address Michigan Tech Grads   MTU News

Thank you President Tompkins for that generous introduction. It is an honor for me to be here to share in this exciting activity with you the graduates, your families and friends, the members of the Board of Control, the faculty and staff, and the platform party. Graduation is a special time and it is always fun to share in the sense of accomplishment that distinguishes this event. It was always a pleasure to sit on this platform as a member of the Board of Control and watch the smiles on the graduates and proud parents and families. This time it is quite different for me because of my role as speaker. I have listened to and been moved by commencement addresses from some very successful and distinguished speakers -- Nobel Laureate, a MIR astronaut, CEO’s of major companies, entrepreneurs, an ambassador and others -- all of them special people. Me, I am just the son of a copper miner from nearby Calumet who had the chance to be a medical doctor and community servant. When I started my pre med studies here at MTU I had dreams, just like you did when you started college. Fortunately for me, my dreams of serving my fellow human beings came true. May yours come true also. As I thought about what to say today, my first thought was -- what does an old man like me have to say that would be of interest to the bright young graduates -- something they might listen to and maybe even remember for a few hours or days? I will give it my best shot. They say that you know you are old when the college you attended has buildings named after your professors. Well, Dr. Gene Hesterberg, of Hesterberg Hall fame, taught me zoology in 1949-50. I will follow Dr. Hesterberg’s philosophy in this address. On several occasions I have heard him say “I stood up so you can see me, I talked so you could hear me, and in a few short minutes I will sit down so you will like me”. But before I sit down I would like to share a few observations with you and suggest some opportunities that await you. As you leave Michigan Tech you take with you more than an education and a diploma. Having spent a number of years in the Copper Country you have become experts in winter survival, snow statue building, broomball and walking backward to class through the wind tunnel. You have had a unique experience going to school at this northern outpost of academic excellence called Michigan Tech. The community here will miss you with your youthful energy and the many contributions you have made here. We appreciate what you shared of yourselves through Winter Carnival, Homecoming and other fun times. Your help as a volunteer with Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, Bridgefest, the Sports Car Rally and other community service as well as your sharing of your musical and artistic talents is a benefit to this community. Thank you for your contribution. Michigan Tech has been very important in my life and it will be increasingly more valuable to you as you begin your careers well-prepared to go out and make your mark on the world. Through my involvement as team doctor, adjunct professor, and Board of Control member, it was obvious to me that at Michigan Tech we have a special group of students, faculty, staff and administration. You may not share those feelings now, but time will enhance your appreciation of what you were taught, especially the need to continue learning and growing. To those of you who were commissioned in the Army or Air Force today, I applaud your commitment and know you will serve our country well. I can best express my appreciation for the role of the faculty by this quote from the Oath of Hippocrates “I will in every particular keep this, my oath, to regard him who teaches this act equally with my parents, to share my substance and if he be in need, to relieve his necessities”. This has been a guide for me to appreciate the role that those who taught and guided me have played in my life. Hopefully you will have the same sense of gratitude to those who guided you. Before I close, I want to share with you what I believe are opportunities that await you. The opportunity to use your education as you dreamed you would. You will be able to work as part of a team or as an individual in a position that allows you to use your unique skills. You will have a chance to be satisfied knowing you are doing your job well, and making a contribution. Don’t be afraid to take risks, to change careers or do those things that give you the inner reward that comes with contributing. One of our recent commencement speakers related how he was laid off of three jobs after receiving his masters degree from MTU. He formed his own company, had spectacular success, and recently donated five million dollars to the Center for Integrated Learning and Information Technology. May some of you do so well! You have the opportunity to become involved through participation in government, whether it be on a local, state, or national level. Your community needs your educated involvement whether it be holding an office or being an informed citizen speaking out on the issues. I urge you to be a part of the “we group” - the ones who get things done in a community, rather than being in the “they group” - you know, the ones who stand on the sidelines and criticize - “they should do this or they should do that”. Our democracy needs your talents and involvement. You have the opportunity, and even the responsibility, to appreciate, respect and conserve the resources that make up this planet Earth. Here, hopefully you were given an exposure to environmental concerns. I don’t expect that even in your lifetime we will find replacement resources in outer space that we can tow to Earth to replenish what we have used and wasted. Please think about how you can help us become a conserving society, so your children can enjoy what you have enjoyed. You have the opportunity to improve the well being of your fellow human beings. We do this first by understanding how different and unique is each one of us. Understanding helps build respect and respect leads to caring. Take the opportunity to be a part of a service organization, a charity, church, synagogue or temple. In my opinion, there is no greater reward than that which comes from serving and caring for our fellow human beings whether they be family, friends or strangers who could use our help. Finally, you have the opportunity to live a rich, satisfying life with your family and friends. If you haven’t thanked your parents and/or your spouses for their role in your education, do so today. If adversity befalls you seek help from your family and friends. Look on adversity as a challenge, not a roadblock. I always remember the words of my mother who was wise despite her 8th grade education. She said “Every knock is a boost” meaning we can learn and grow from set backs and adversity, especially with help from family and friends. Again, I congratulate you on your graduation and achievements. Opportunities are there for you. I thank you for the honor of sharing this day with you. Thank you for being a part of Michigan Tech. Come back and see us regularly. God speed on your journey.