Published May 16, 2004

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Greetings to you all. In my two years as a graduate student here at The George Washington University, I must have heard it said at least a dozen times: Going a school in a neighborhood that includes the White House, the State Department, and the World Bank is an unmatched experience. We attend a University that never tires of boasting of its locational advantages.

Not surprisingly, in part because of its location in the nation's capital, GW attracts students who desire to be leaders. Honestly, it's a little surprising that GW, even as the largest institution of higher education in the nation's capital, doesn't include a slogan like "Come to The George Washington University and move into that big white house down the street."

The truth is we really have all been trained and prepared to be leaders. Some of us will be business leaders. Some of us will be educational leaders. Some of us will be artistic leaders. And undoubtedly some of us will be public service leaders and may indeed move into that big white house.

OK, public service.

But all of us have also been prepared and educated to be personal leaders, leaders of our communities, leaders of our thinking, and leaders of our individual destinies. It's this type of leadership that has successfully brought you to this point this day.

But let us not be mistaken. The George Washington University has played a significant role in cultivating our minds. GW has taught us the importance of activism that can trigger political, social, and educational reform within our society. GW has enhanced our intellectual diversity that has stretched our imaginations since the first day of our respective programs. GW has given us the space and the opportunity to live our individual faiths and religions without persecution from others. GW has taught us the importance of unity, which has held our campus community together in the face of local, national, even global tragedies.

GW has enhanced our collective value of volunteerism, which has allowed us to positively affect our nation's capital.

Finally, GW has taught us acceptance of different international societies and ethnic cultures.

Our valuable lessons and enhanced skills were not learned overnight. In fact, our success has not necessarily been in one single event. It's been a long, arduous process.

Therefore, graduates of 2004, I submit to you: There are both voices and echoes in this world. Please do not only be an echo. Speak out and speak up. Let your own voice be that of a leader.

So in honor of this commencement celebration, I charge each and every graduate to exhibit integrity, character, and excellence as you strive to make a difference in the world, a difference that can be successfully realized by seeking the opportunities to exert the leadership skills you have developed and enveloped at The George Washington University.

I thank you all for your patience and attention, and best of luck to all in the future.

©2004 The George Washington University Office of University Relations, Washington, D.C.
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