A “Revisited” blog post indicates that I reread the original and used AI-assisted tools (e.g., Grammarly) to improve grammar and word choice.
First published on May 10, 2014.
My thoughts may be even fuzzier this Saturday morning as I sit here in my office—a little over 24 hours before your Commencement Day. I have just returned from a three-hour meeting in my role of Faculty Observer at a Board of Trustees Meeting, and I was most impressed by the poise, courage, compassion, and intelligence of the remarks made by your Student Senate President. Now is an excellent time to gather some last thoughts about and for you. Tomorrow will be a joyful and tearful day as relationships change. Because of my age, seniority, good looks, length of time at Carroll, and rank of Full Professor, I march at the front of the line both at Baccalaureate (behind Dean Byler) and Commencement (following Faculty Marshall Pamela Pinahs-Schultz). That gives me an ideal seating position for seeing and hearing those of you in choir but forces me to be on my best behavior (awake, disconnected from my Ipad, resisting wearing my Brewers’ or Carroll College hats). For those of you I have met, I have done my best to teach you well, but I am only human.
Every student I teach is different, special and teaches me. You have enriched my life, and I welcome the opportunity as you become alumni to continue and perhaps expand upon our relationships. Thanks for the lessons. Many people (family, staff, faculty, administrators, and trustees) have worked very hard, in addition to you, to try and provide you with the best education that Carroll can provide both within and outside of the classroom. I often think we ought to set aside time to recognize those unsung “guardian angels” who have done their best to make Carroll a caring community and a better place. As time and circumstances allow, join them in giving back (without expectation of receiving “convocation points”) your time, wisdom, networking resources, prospective student recommendations, and examples of skills or values developed here at Carroll that serve you well. Give Carroll its due credit when it has earned it, and offer constructive criticism when the institution fails to meet your expectations. Seek out opportunities to do “” right thing. Use your mind to think carefully and critically but don’t forget that there are indeed many times when it is appropriate to follow one’s heart. I envy your youth and the many opportunities that lie ahead to share your talents and make the world a better place. Stay in touch.
Oh, yes… Here is a final exam.
With many fond memories,
David Simpson, Professor of Psychology
