2010 Plaza College Graduate Recognition Ceremony

Keynote Student Address

Thursday June 2, 2010
By Stacy M. Arce

Good Evening Board of Trustees, President Callahan, Provost Callahan, Administrators and faculty, families and the graduating class of 2010.

The best way to describe my experience at Plaza would be to use the African Proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”. When we stepped into Plaza for the first time, most of us were academic children, and the amazing faculty and staff collectively formed a loving village. Some of us could not write a thesis statement, a portfolio, or a reflection letter, and others were terrified by the words alone.

Though we only spent a short time at Plaza, the experience has been life-changing. The skills we have acquired go beyond the classroom and the boardroom. They have prompted us to become better parents, better spouses, and better friends. I often hear professors and mentors say that if they touch just one life, then all of their hard work and dedication would be worth it. I stand here today as the fulfillment of that wish for each and every member of Plaza’s team.

This team consists of, but is not limited, to the Callahans, who treat the school like their warm loving home and open their doors to any and everyone who is willing to learn. Dean Dolla, who through action, showed us that power doesn’t have to be loud and boisterous but rather thoughtful and confident. Professor Howle, who brings a fresh exciting face to age-old teaching techniques. Dr. Anderson, who leads by example and brought out the best in each of us. And Dean Loffert, who infects you with excitement and encouragement without you even knowing it.

Through the nurturing and support of our village, we have matured into the Plaza College graduating class of 2010 that sits before you today. This class courageously fought against a plummeting economy, foreclosures, tragedies, and health issues to walk across this stage. People like Elizabeth Rodriguez, who, despite entering college in her fifties, and losing her home within her first semester, will receive the first of many college degrees alongside her youngest daughter, Sabrina. And people like Jacqueline Gonzalez, who pushed past the devastation of losing her only son to fulfill a lifelong dream.

Webster’s dictionary defines the word “graduation” as the successful completion of a program of study; however, the meaning of the word differs with each generation of my family.

To my grandmother, it means freedom, the realization that all her years of segregation and struggle were not in vain.

To my mother, it means redemption, being able to see her daughter live her differed dream.

To my children, it means precedence, having a direct link to a member of the higher education club. It extends the prestigious opportunity to continue a legacy, one that starts right here and right now with me!

To my Aunt Faye, I offer a sincere thank you. The little girl whom you helped raise is now coming into her own.

To my other half, Jaye, I also must say thank you. You helped a rose grow from concrete.

As we complete this part of our journey, let’s start to evaluate what we want to be remembered for in the years to come. I can only hope that you remember me for my intelligence, strength, willingness to help, and last but certainly not least, my beauty.

Whatever we choose to do from this point on, let’s be sure to do it with passion and purpose. We are each our own brand. Let’s perfect it and aggressively market ourselves. Every great success story begins with just one person who is willing to throw caution to the wind and dare to be different. Not everyone will understand our strategies or follow along with our fresh innovative ideas, but that is what will make us great. Let’s pledge to share in the words of the late great Frank Sinatra and sing, “I Did It My Way”.

At Freshman Orientation, we were asked to look to our right and to our left and come to the realization that someone you looked at might not make it to the end. Now, I am asking you to look to your right and to your left and smile at those who did make it. We represent the best of the best. We are now in possession of a very powerful weapon known as knowledge. Please use it wisely and be sure to pass it on. Be mindful that with great power comes great responsibility. Instead of viewing this as the end, let’s see it as the beginning, and in lieu of goodbye, I’ll say, “So long for now.”

To my fellow graduates, I say “Congratulations and job well done!” Thank You.