Despite much progress, there remain nagging and complex problems that threaten to rob many of the world s citizens of the decent quality of life that is the right of all humans - problems such as poverty, racism, discrimination, violence, disease and apathy, just to name a few. Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Congo, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, East Timor. The list goes on. The recent tragedy involving Robert Russ, a member of the Northwestern family, is a painful reminder of our society s need to address the unresolved issues of aggression and injustice that threaten our most fundamental freedoms. I believe the world needs one action more than any other today - and that is leadership.
Leadership is what creates change.
Leadership is what solves problems. Leadership is what turns a vision of a better tomorrow into the reality of a better tomorrow. The world needs leadership. And you, the members of this graduating class, will be among those on whom we call to fill that role. But when I say leadership, I do not mean the kind where people follow you just because you happen to be the one in front.