Fall 2004 Commencement Speech

Rachel Marie Harris

Greetings to the administration, faculty, staff, family, friends, and to the dynamic graduating class of December 2004. It is truly an honor to stand before you all. You are the future of our society. While at Michigan State University we have had the privilege of equipping ourselves with the skills needed to have a monumental impact in whatever task our futures may hold in store for us. Through all of the lectures, papers, internships, and studies done abroad we have been able to master our talents. These experiences have allowed is to become more than capable of evoking a positive change in the world.

Aside from the knowledge we have gained at this institution, we have gained an extended family nearly 50,000 strong! In August of our freshman year, during the week before classes we were introduced to many possibilities for friendship, romance, and networking. We all will remember our first welcome week! The bond that is Spartan spirit was strengthened during our time at MSU and will become timeless as we part.

While at Michigan State University we have experienced many events that will resonate in our minds for a lifetime. The attacks of September 11th, the war in Iraq, and the Presidential election of 2004 have all occurred during our time here. Through each event Spartans were there! In projects ranging from protest to vigils, food drives to voter registration drives; Spartans were present making an impact on the entire nation! This dedication is inherent in all Spartans and will lead to each of our continued success.

I would be remiss if I did not take the time to recognize people who have dedicated their lives to cultivating young minds and developing tomorrow’s leaders. In my experiences at State I have been privileged to make connections with other students as well as with the faculty. The following faculty members have made a tremendous impact on the woman I am today. Professor Kenneth Waltzer has a demeanor that rivals any jazz musician. Though, his style, smooth voice, blazers, and berets are not what I will remember him most for. The passion and knowledge behind his lectures allowed me to connect with a struggle I had very little knowledge of and for that I am thankful. Professor Louise Jezierski has developed the quintessential class for me. By fusing policy with the pulse of urban centers in her class I have been able to further determine my calling in life. Dr. Herb Norman of Urban Planning and Regional Development has been the most supportive and encouraging person I have met on this campus. I would like to thank him for believing in my dreams. Lastly, to my Professor and Academic Advisor Anna Pegler-Gordon I extend immeasurable gratitude. Thank you for tireless efforts in and outside of the classroom. I will always remember how you made a point to get to know your students and the other aspects of their lives. It would take years to touch on the impacts of the entire faculty and staff of this institution. We have truly been fortunate to experience the wealth of knowledge they all possess.

To my fellow graduates, I am so proud of your accomplishments. I wish you nothing, but success as you pursue new ventures after Michigan State University. I encourage you to use your education to continue to make a difference in your communities. Always remember the Michigan State motto: “Advancing Knowledge. Transforming Lives.” This experience must end to begin a new and successful path for you. Farewell and God Bless!