2011 Graduate Awards Ceremony Opening remarks

By Jason Whitaker, Class of 2011

Good evening! I would first like to express special greetings to the Board of Trustees, President Callahan, Provost Callahan, the Administration and Faculty, each of the honorees, as well as every family member, friend and supporter in attendance this evening. I’m delighted to be before you all tonight!

On May 1st of this year our country and the world received the news that Osama

Bin Laden was annulated by our military forces. The elite group responsible for this mission is known as the Navy Seals. We salute them for a job well done.  The Navy Seals stand in a very unique class. They are trained to perform specific tasks under any type of circumstance and in any environment. Their training takes place in the desert, the jungle, in extreme hot and cold weather, and in urban areas. Other notable characteristics of this special group are:

• A SEAL has never been left behind on a mission.
• Each member of the SEALs goes through a very rigorous training which is designed to make them strong, energetic and youthful looking (similar to that of Mr. P)!
•  Lastly but not least, only about 25 percent of trainees make it through training to become SEALs.

All of the honorees here today could be compared to this elite group because we share some distinct qualities as the SEALS.

Within the structure of this great school, each student has the assurance of not being left behind or forgotten because of the outstanding commitment of this faculty and staff. Thank you all for what you do!

As the SEALs, we too are trained, and educated under various type of circumstance or climate. Whether it be working a demanding schedule on our jobs or enduring the frigid climate of a New York winter, we press to make it to class each day to embrace the teachings of the best Professors in the business.  

Just as the SEALs, each of us has gone through a rigorous process each semester meeting portfolio deadlines, bracing ourselves for oral presentations, and preparing for multiple exams.

Also as the SEALs are made up of a small percentage from the vast number of potential candidates, we here today have been chosen from a host of individuals by the entire faculty to be recognized for academic achievements in areas ranging from: Coding and Clinical Skills to Excel & Word, to Writing, Liberal Arts, and Humanities. We will also be recognized for our leadership, citizenship, and professionalism. Finally, we will be recognizing student who have preserved and achieved greatness at Plaza in the face of many obstacles.

Ladies and gentlemen you’re the Navy Seals of Plaza College! You’re the VIP’s of tonight. You are a part of an elite group of special people because of your diligence, dedication and determination. It may not have been easy, but anything of true worth never is.

 I’m reminded of a story from my dad who understood a little something about hard work. He said to me, “Son, growing up on a farm in Chapel Hill, NC required that I awake early each morning, and labor diligently until late each night. I did this not because I liked it, but because I had to. I had to give up much such as my childhood, my friends and even my education.” He continued by saying, that his highest level of academic achievement was that of just the 3rd grade, and “because my education was so limited, I had to work extremely hard to provide the comfortable life your mom and siblings enjoy today.” Then he said, “Jason you too will have to work hard in your life to have what you desire, but I want to encourage you to do so by going further than I ever did, accomplishing more than I ever did, and reaching higher than I ever did. Now, I may not be around to celebrate all of your accomplishments, but always know your daddy will always be cheering for you as your #1 fan.”

 My dad would be so proud of me today for what I’ve accomplished, but he’s not here to share in this moment because he passed away in April of 2006. What a great man he was, who, despite his lack of academic achievement, accomplished much, such as becoming a respected pillar within his community, running his own successful businesses, and certainly, his most crowning achievement: raising this debonair, distinguished, “Denzel-look-a-like” that stands before you today!

 However, I’m comforted with the assurance that he’s in a better place cheering me on just as he said he would be. It was those cheers and encouraging words from the past that propelled me to get back in school, work hard and to be in the company of you great people tonight.  This is your night, sit back, relax, smile and enjoy the ride. Congratulations to you all!!!