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COMMENCEMENT 2004COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS URGES EXCELLENCE,LEADERSHIP,AND COMMUNITYDr. Shirley Ann Jackson, president of the RensselaerPolytechnic Institute in New York, delivers thekeynote Commencement address.Lois Bosch, associate professor of social work, placesa master’s hood on a Master of Social Work student.Following are excerpts from Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson’s Commencement address; read thecomplete address at … A simple message from my own father has always motivated me. … Healways would say to us: “Aim for the stars, so that you will reach the treetops, andat any rate, you will get off the ground.” In other words, if you do not aim high,you will not go far. He also believed that it was important to help somebody elsealong the way.I have taken my father’s advice throughout my career, and woven it into acommon thread with three basic strands. They are excellence, leadership, andcommunity.It was Aristotle who said, “Excellence is an art won by training andhabituation. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but ahabit.” After all, if you are going to spend precious time doing something, why notdo it well? And, when you do things well, it becomes your habit.Secondly, leadership is a fundamental responsibility we all own. … Leadershipencompasses a clarity of vision, an understanding of the broader context, as wellas the articulation to share that vision with others. It takes perseverance, andrequires very hard work, but an effective leader sets an example by working hard,by being ethical, and by inspiring others to do the same. …The final strand is community. What I mean by community also might betermed inclusiveness. In the global community in which we live, inclusiveness iskey, because it is the estrangement of individuals, or of groups, or of peoples, or ofnations that is responsible for the divisiveness that haunts us—that makes theworld a more dangerous place. …Optimism also is part of my father’s legacy. As a result, I am determinedlyoptimistic about the future. Optimism and hope are contagious. … Indeed, it is aforce for change, and it can move people to take positive action. …So, give generously. Aim high. Lead with your gifts. Stay positive. Lookforward. Do not be discouraged. Lead with optimism. Challenge yourselves. Findjoy in everyday life. If you do all of these, I am confident that you can lead us to afuture of peace, a future of greater safety, security, and health for all—a future inwhich hope prospers, and love and service guide us. Now is your time. Be thatfuture, and you can change the world.Barbara Forshier, Weekend College Class of 2004representative, addresses the crowd at theCommencement ceremony.Spring/Summer 2004Three graduates smile for the camera during the ceremony in Melby Hall.29