Endings and beginnings

Last weekend, as the University of Findlay 2020 and 2021 graduates marched away from campus through the Griffith Memorial Arch into the next phases of their lives, my colleagues and I saw in their faces the excitement of finishing and the joy of beginning. It is fitting that campuses hold commencement ceremonies to mark graduation from rigorous courses of study. In Medieval times, graduates were ready to begin teaching others, to commence. Likewise, our graduates, if they have truly learned, are ready to teach, serve, and lead others — even if they are not entering the profession of education. They are also prepared to keep learning. Two of our graduates offered these reflections: Hannah Morris, a 2021 undergraduate, Health Science with Pre-Physical Therapy Emphasis from Forest, OH, said, "It meant so much to me to be able to attend both Commencement and the Arch Ceremony. When I walked out of the Arch, I couldn't help but think of when I walked in as a freshman and how much I have accomplished and grown since then. It was a great end to my undergraduate career!" Nick Reid, 2021 Doctor of Pharmacy, from Upper Sandusky, OH, stated, "It meant a lot to be able to walk out the Arch with more than I walked in with — both with accomplishments and friends. It truly felt like I had made it!" In the three commencement ceremonies of the weekend, the keynote speakers captured the essence of this transition. The Honorable Christina Muryn, Mayor of Findlay and UF 2014 alumna, offered comments to the 2020 class regarding the timeline of a life well lived. Excerpts from her address include the following: "Over the past year we have each experienced nearly incomprehensible struggle. Perhaps we have lost a loved one, a job, missed out on experiences (like graduation), or simply the everyday joys of getting together with friends. These are struggles that we have individually and collectively experienced. "As we each reflect on 2020 it is a strange blip on everyone's timeline. I am not sure if I am the only one that feels this way but as I lived through 2020 and I reflect on it even now I feel it was an entire decade rolled into one year but also this entirely blank dot on our timeline. So much and yet so little happened to all of us. Our lines may look a bit odd in 2020 but today we place a new dot, we change our trajectory, and we begin moving towards the next point on our lines. All moving from this same point like a beautiful starburst. "With a college degree and graduation, you are gaining maturity, judgment, and perspective. What may have seemed like a low point on your line a few years ago may have actually been a needed life lesson that will carry you to your highest points." Dr. Ed Brandt, UF 1981 graduate, spoke at the 2021 graduate level commencement. His remarks included the following excerpts: "We celebrate and note this incredible accomplishment in your personal and academic life. "From tuition, to teaching, to thinking, to tassel. ... you earned the well-deserved accolades showering down on you today. "You earned today, and today is all about you as it should be! "But when tomorrow comes and people ask you: — how was it? — what does it feel like? — you glad it's over? — how was the commencement speaker? ... begin to turn the attention outward towards others!" Dr. A.R. Charnes, Trustee Emeritus and Findlay College 1966 alumnus, addressed the undergraduate class of 2021. Excerpts from his address include these: "During this pandemic I have had a lot of time to reflect on my journey since I marched through the Arch 55 years ago. "The mission of our University kept creeping in my mind. I firmly believe and my experience tells me we cannot have a 'productive career' without having a 'meaningful life.' There is a reason we state our mission in this order. You cannot enjoy a productive career without first having a meaningful life! "I congratulate all of you graduates and your families for the way you have handled the past eighteen months. You have faced many challenges, you have shown a great deal of discipline and resilience and have come out stronger and wiser. ... "Never stop learning. Read, listen and watch what is going on around you. While you are graduating today with a degree in your field of interest, your learning is just beginning." Fell is president of the University of Findlay.