What remarkable stories. Each and every one of you can be proud to be members of the great Class of '98. As you all know, you are not the only ones graduating today. I know you all join with me in congratulating Dr. Bergen and wishing him the best in his many future endeavors. Now I'm sure those of you graduating today are both excited and a bit overwhelmed.
Graduation is always a time of mixed emotions.
It's probably difficult to see past the challenges that await you in the years ahead. Concern for people. Commitment to quality. Coming from an institution with seven schools on five campuses, you have had different classes, different teachers, and a wide variety of experiences. I'm pleased to learn that your Board of Trustees has just approved formation of an eighth school - a School of Public Health to train tomorrow's decision makers in the health issues that affect our communities, our state, and our country as we enter the next millennium.