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The College of Saint Rose |
Hon. Elizabeth C. Little Mid-Year Commencement Address
The “more things change, the more they stay the same.” How many of us have heard, if not used, this saying to describe something in a negative manner? Let me use it to describe something positive. The Saint Rose I graduated from 45 years ago – with dating permission, one-piece yellow gym suits, required sit-down dinners, and an all-women student body – would not be too popular today. But since then, the College of Saint Rose has evolved, mostly under the wonderful leadership of President Sullivan and the Board of Trustees. It has changed to be responsive to the students of today. Yet throughout the years, the college has remained the same in the most important ways: a high quality educational institution whose reputation for excellence and quality career preparation has sustained it. Watching from the sidelines, I have been a proud alumna, grateful for having received my education on this campus and being known as a “rosebud.” Certainly no one here questions the value of a good education. However, I believe that once that education is attained, the value of that education is measured by how you use it. In the words of Marian Wright Edelman “Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” The hermit with a Ph.D. may have enjoyed his or her years of schooling but, in my mind, the value is diminished by the lack of action in using that education to benefit others. Now I seriously doubt that any of you are headed down the path of being a hermit.... Rather you will use your bachelor or master’s degree in a productive fashion, and most likely in a planned manner to enter a profession of your choice. In 1962 I left here with my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Ed in hand (and by the way, a lifetime teaching certificate) and went immediately to the classroom for four and one-half years teaching in Staten Island and Queensbury. My relatively short teaching tenure was followed by 19 years at home raising six children. As they say, “I didn’t work.” At that time I didn’t have a thought, an inkling, or a conscious desire, to be a NY state Senator even though I was always interested in government. So how does my elementary ed degree figure into my role as a Senator? You’d be amazed!!!! Add to that raising six children and I believe I had perfect preparation! Similar to preparing a lesson, an idea becomes a law after that idea has been well researched, presented clearly, discussed with decorum (sometimes lacking in the Legislature), debated with respect for the opposing view and most importantly advocated with confidence in the belief that what has been proposed is good and necessary. The skills taught for use in the classroom carry over to enacting action in the Legislature, in our schools and in our community. Looking back, in some ways, it took some time to catch up with my education. But the benefit of having that great education was there for me when I needed it, and that continues today. You have a new degree in hand, but you know, and I know, that your education isn’t complete today. Even though you have a wonderful degree that you have worked hard for, the educational process continues. There is so much to see, to do, and to learn from! As Dr. Seuss wrote, “Oh the Places You’ll Go.” The point I want to make is: Be open to opportunities, to changes in plans, and “grow” your education going forward. We are so fortunate, despite claims in the media that we are on the downhill slide, to live in this country, in this place, and have the opportunity to receive the excellent educational background you now have. All that I ask today of you is to use it in your profession, in the people that you deal with, in your community, and in all aspects of your life. You own it and only you can increase the value of this education in the way that you use it. As you graduate, my personal wish for you is that you will be a person who is grateful for your family, your community, and this college; a person who is optimistic and hopeful for the future; a person who is open to others, to other ideas, yet someone who recognizes the value of tradition as well as the need for change; a person who looks for positive things in life and is joyful. You’ve had a great start here. Continue moving forward, with confidence in your ability to change the world for the better. Nelson Mandela said “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Thank you so much for this honor and for the opportunity to speak to you today. Congratulations and best wishes for much success. And Merry Christmas to all... |
