Commencement stands for a victory of sorts for each and every graduate.
It is a victory over maintaining the status quo, where the risk of taking the time and commitment to get an education is overwhelmed by immediate social and economic pressures, and passivity. That is not you. It is a victory for your family, friends and community because you will be a better-educated person you will be able to open doors that were closed, and you can be a better citizen a model for those who touch your life. Yes, you can be and will be all of that. That you have done and, my colleagues and I are enormously proud of you.