By Mark A. Leon – RU Class of ’95 and ’97

Today is a day of family and a day where we leave social status and prejudice behind and reflect on academic achievement. This is the moment when our youth steps out of the Utopian society of college and into the melting pot of life.

Happy Hour is replaced by staff meetings, fraternity parties by the Tonight Show and all-nighters, well they never go away.

With career planning books shelved at the bookstore and cases of champagne waiting to be uncorked it is a blend of pure emotion ranging from exuberance to fear. What is going through the minds of students at this defining stage? Post graduate studies, travel abroad, career, unemployment, following in their parents footsteps, continuing the same lifestyle, athletics, the fears of COVID-19 or living for the next sunrise. So many questions without answers, so many decisions with lifetime repercussions.

This is a time of discovery; a time of judgement

To you, the college graduate, your time is now.
This is your chance to take your education and make a difference.

Be bold
Be different
Be strong
Be courageous
Always remember, you bleed Scarlet Red!

We salute you, wish you luck and thank you in advance for the impact you will make in the future.