Presbyterian College: Commencement 2008

Dr. Griffith, members of the Board of Trustees, our wonderful faculty, and most importantly, my friends, the members of the Class of 2008. Our sister school to the north has the President of the United States, another in-state university has a distinguished member of the state legislature … well folks, today you've got me. 

All kidding aside, this is a wonderful day to stand before you. I have many people that have helped get me to this place in my life. First, my momma and dad. Momma was the one who always made me walk the line and pushed me to succeed, while dad was there to support me and have talks when I'd done wrong that momma made him have. My mamamaw and papapaw from Greeneville, Tenn., are here today with 12 other aunts, uncles and cousins.  These are the folks are the people that constantly support me through my life every day, but also know how to give me a reality check if I get too big-headed.

My papaw is the wisest man I know and the only person that I have ever tried to impress.  His words of wisdom, his character and his faith in God serve as wonderful examples of the man that I have always strived to be. Throughout my life when things happen that I don't understand, I've always known that there was a tough ol' East Tennessee farmer who was waiting and willing to tell me how it was. To say the least he has given me countless words of advice through the years, most of the time without meaning to. The two that stick out in my mind the most are " Son, you're never given anything in this world for free, you have to work hard for what you get and take advantage of every opportunity that you're given." The next thing was "when you're older and you begin to think about your life, it will not matter how much money you make or the awards that you've won, but it will center around the friends you've made and the people you've been able to help."  I have continuously attempted to live by these words and taken advantage of every opportunity I've been given, including this blessing that brought me to Presbyterian College. I am grateful to my momma, daddy and the rest of my family for supporting me as I have grown up.

I also have another family - the PC Family - that has also helped shape me.  When I found out that I would be speaking at graduation, I realized that I could hardly offer advice on what to do after graduation … since I don't know what life is like after graduation.  I turned to the PC Family - faculty and staff - to seek advice on what one should do after graduation.

I sought "one sentence" words of wisdom from professors, coaches, administrators.  Their thoughtful replies ranged from passages in the Bible to parental advice.

For the graduating seniors that receive Hal Milam's daily updates for activities on campus, his advice is
"Stay away from clowns.  They are creepy."  Our events coordinator, Anne Pinckney Smith, reminds you to "always respond to invitations and look people in the eye when they are talking to you."  From our friend in the basement of the library, who has provided color copies, videos and other services to all of us, 'Slick' Doug Wallace, "when you approach someone and meet them, give them a firm handshake."  He also challenges you to remember this one word "discretion."

Our wonderful President's wife, Nancy Griffith, encourages you to "be kind."  I'm sure that she has sat through many graduation speeches.  This is great advice.  The director of the Annual Fund and Scotsman Club, Hannah Smith, wants you to "get involved."  I'm sure she hopes that you'll get involved with the Scotsman Club or Annual Fund as an alumnus!  Professor Fred Chapman, a wonderful friend to many PC students, suggested "Just remember, once you graduate and go to work, you will have all 8 o'clocks and no cuts..." And finally from our beloved president, Dr. Griffith says two things "Life is like music; it must be composed by ear, feeling, and instinct, not by rule … And when mingling in big groups, make sure you wash your hands afterward."       

We are all going different directions – into the workforce, to graduate school or to serve our country proudly in the armed forces.  Whether we're in Charleston at medical school or in Columbus, Georgia with the U.S. Army, we will carry the PC Spirit with us.  This commitment to serving others, living the Golden Rule, and pursuing excellence will serve us well in all that we do. 

That's what makes PC special, that's what makes us unique and that's what makes me proud to be a Blue Hose.  We have received an outstanding education from brilliant faculty … but we've also been taught that it's our responsibility to use this education for the betterment of our state, region and nation. We have been called by God to use the gifts that we've been given.

Our PC Family hopes that you'll : Wash your hands before you eat, that you won't answer your cell phone during a face-to-face conversation, and clean up after yourself.  While this sounds a lot like parental advice, it should.  Your president, administrators and professors all love and care for you like you are their own children. 

No matter how far away you roam from Clinton, you can always return back to this special place ... to walk under the oaks, to see familiar faculty faces and to visit with Mrs. Mills or Mrs. Lula Bell in GDH.  

Good luck, God Bless You and always Go Blue Hose!