From the President Editors Note: On Saturday, May 8, the Class of 2010 marched down Brock Commons to Wheeler Mall where they listened to their commencement speaker, President Patricia P. Cormier. Since this was Dr. Cormier’s last commencement, we thought you might like to read these words of wisdom she shared with our graduates ...
This year, more than any other year, I can say that I know exactly how you feel. This year, just like you, I will be leaving the Longwood campus soon after graduation to embark on the next adventure. Like you, I am filled with a mix of excitement, uncertainty, pride, and sadness. And just like you, I know that my experiences at Longwood University have prepared me for the next stage of my life. Today we share a common bond, and I am proud to be a Lancer alongside each of you.
In your years here, you have learned quite a few lessons that have helped shape you into the person you are today. I thought today I would share some of the lessons that I have learned during my time on the Longwood campus.
LESSON No.1: You can acknowledge the past while looking to the future. In my role as visionary, I have been able to work with the University leadership to transform campus facilities, move the campus forward through University status, and cheer our athletics teams into Division I. However, I have also recognized that to balance being a visionary, I must also be a steward of the institution’s history and legacy. This serves the long-term interest of the university and acknowledges the hard work and dedication of those who came before me. The challenge is to marry vision and stewardship, ensuring the vitality of the core values of the institution while guiding necessary changes in an effective way.
LESSON No.2: Crisis can be a defining moment. In my role as crisis manager, unfortunately there are several times that stand out in my mind. Perhaps the most defining moment of my presidency is the Great Fire of 2001. In April 2001, Longwood’s signature building, Ruffner Hall, and its Rotunda burned to the ground. On the day after the fire, I vowed to rebuild that landmark and spent many years between then and now to make sure that happened. Ruffner Hall was officially reopened in April 2005. I can finally say that the Great Fire of 2001 is behind us.
Crisis, although devastating, is a rallying cry. In your jobs, and in your families, you will encounter many crises that you must handle. Do so with strength and confidence, and remember what is truly important during those times.
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