Graduate Awards Ceremony

Closing Remarks by Elizabeth Rodriguez, BBA graduate, Class of 2011

Good evening! Hasn’t this been an incredible and amazing night?

This is the reward for all your hard work and all the sacrifices you have made throughout your time at Plaza.

When you walked through the doors of Plaza College, you walked in full of motivation and determination, ready to start a new phase in your life (I know, I saw many of your faces at freshmen orientation). As I reflect on these past years I realize how far we have come.

We have accomplished something that at one time was just a dream for us. I am sure there were moments where you thought you couldn’t make it, moments where you had doubts and had to dig deep inside your soul to find the strength to continue, but your commitment was stronger and you succeeded.

You didn’t take the easy way out, and it has paid off; look at where you are today. Your commitment to realize your dream and determination to overcome obstacles and adversity have earned you awards for citizenship, leadership, perseverance, excellence in writing, high honors, academic excellence, scholarships, and service—these are truly outstanding achievements. How could we not succeed with such greatness surrounding us?

I stand here today and say to all of you “thank you”. Thank you for inspiring me with your strength and courage. Your resilience and persistence gave me courage when I was wavering, motivated me when I was in doubt. Looking at you today, I am proud to share such an important day in your lives.

As freshmen we were encouraged to find a study “buddy”, but for many of us we found friends for life. Our time at Plaza has been filled with incredible and extraordinary people that have touched our lives and will remain with us forever.

I would like you, to close your eyes. Remember that first day or first semester? Can you see it? Now open your eyes. Look at your fellow classmates. Can you see how much you have all changed? Today we are mere shadows of the person that walked through the doors of Plaza a few years ago.

Deans, faculty and administrative staff, I would like you to also close your eyes. Do you remember our first semester and how scared and confused we were at times? Open your eyes……look at your students! Look at what your dedication to your students has accomplished! We are here today because you never gave up on us to us. You exemplify what Plaza stands for and have shown us not just academics, but respect and values as well.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Callahan family, Dean Dolla, Dr, Dee, our professors and everyone at Plaza who was instrumental in making this dream a reality. At Plaza we were not just prepared academically; we were given our confidence and self worth back and we are all better persons because of the ethics and morals that Plaza has instilled in us. There are no words to express how grateful we all are for all you do for your students. I guess the best way to say thank you is to continue on to better lives; to put forth all that Plaza has taught us.

My fellow classmates, it has been an honor to have shared this journey with you; a journey that has not ended. This is only the beginning for you. There is so much more for you to achieve; don’t stop here. You have been exposed to the magical world of learning, something no one can ever take away from you and it doesn’t end today. On Friday, June 17th, as you walk across the stage, walk proud and realize how amazing you are. Then ask yourself “Am I finished?” “Have I realized my full potential?” Then, look across at your family and friends who are here to share this momentous moment with you and say “I am not finished…..there is more for me to achieve!” Congratulations!!