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|Engineering Commencement Charge to Graduates
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Texas Hall
I'm proud to be here to celebrate with the Class of 2006. All of us at UT Arlington are proud of you. As you've learned well, earning a college degree-undergraduate or graduate-is challenging. And that's as it should be. Your presence here proves that you're talented, resilient, and committed-that you've worked hard. These are traits you need to succeed in college, in your career, or in life. Guard these closely.
You are now alumni, and we want you to have a lifelong relationship with the College of Engineering and UT Arlington. Remember your experiences here. Remember the outstanding faculty and staff members who mentored and supported you, and the classmates you've studied with and learned from. And remember that UT Arlington is your home and alma mater.
So what's next? Maybe some of you are starting new careers Monday morning. Maybe you're enrolling in graduate school. Maybe you're going on to teach at the college or university level. Whatever you do, I believe you'll do it well because you're well-educated and well-prepared. UT Arlington Engineering graduates are well-respected. You know how to get the job done-whatever it is-and you do it well, on-time, and within budget.
You're dependable and competent. You have great abilities. Focus them, and use them to their fullest. You have established a clear pattern of excellence, and of diligence, and you understand the need to work hard and dream big. So we have high hopes for you, just as you have great expectations for yourself.
Education breeds success, though success is never a given. Strive for success always, and give back by blazing a trail for others and remembering those around you.
Gordon Brown, the former dean of engineering at The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said that "engineers operate at the interface between science and society." There's no doubt that you have a foundation in the science. I remind you: Don't forget the society.
Let me close with this: Never underestimate yourself, or others. Never stop learning, growing, or doing. After all, you're Mavericks!
Congratulations. May you be Maverick Engineers forever. Thank you.
