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Graduates Challenged to Face Trials of Future: University Awards Diplomas to 650 Graduates.

Posted on: Sunday, 7 May 2006, 15:05 CDT

By Gayle Perez, The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo.

May 7--New graduates of Colorado State University-Pueblo were encouraged Saturday morning to celebrate the milestone they achieved but also to not forget they now have responsibilities they must fulfill for future generations.

"You have fought the good fight and you have won again. Now you have joined an elite group," commencement speaker Arnold Mitchem told the students. He graduated from the university's predecessor, Southern Colorado State College, in 1965.

The university awarded diplomas to 650 graduates at the commencement ceremony at Colorado State Fair Events Center.

"Let me remind you that each generation has its certain challenges and responsibilities. You're no different than the rest of us," said Mitchem.

"In 1965, our responsibilities were Vietnam, environmental issues, civil rights, women's rights and equal education opportunities," he said. "Now in 2006, what are your challenges and responsibilities?"

Mitchem, who grew up in Pueblo and is now president of the Washington, D.C.-based Council for Opportunity in Education, told the students that as graduates they possess personal power - but they also have the responsibility to use it to help others.

"Be generous in providing opportunities to help others. You are leaders and managers now, so avoid selfishness. Remember, we all eat out of the same lunch bucket," he said.

Mitchem told them also to acknowledge the people who have helped to play a role in their achieving their degree - and thank them.

"And acknowledge and trumpet the role this university has played in opening up your future," he said. "The leadership of this university - including President Ronald Applbaum and Provost Barbara Montgomery - have always sought to make this university accessible and affordable to citizens of Colorado."

Mitchem gave the graduates his ideas of the challenges they face: to help repair the nation's democracy, close the income disparity among citizens, combat global warming and increase educational opportunities, particularly higher education.

He said the U.S. is losing its competitiveness with the rest of the world in areas such as science, math, engineering and technology.

He cited a recent study by the National Academy of Science that stated in 2004, China had more than 700,000 students graduate with degrees in math, science, engineering and technology; India, 350,000; while the U.S. had only 72,000 graduates in those fields.

"If we don't move as a society to try to build a better-quality America, we run the risk of the U.S. becoming a colony of China - and Southern Colorado a colony of California," he said.

In his final address as CSU-Pueblo president, Applbaum urged the graduates not to be afraid to take on future challenges.

"In the days, months and years ahead, you will all face remarkable challenges that may often get in the way of success," said Applbaum, who is stepping down as president when his contract expires in July. "The solutions will not come from the outside but must come from inside yourself."

Applbaum added that the students' success will depend on their willingness to solve their problems.

"We all complain of problems in front of us, but don't expect complaining to get you anywhere," he said. "You must be willing to do something about those problems."

Finally, Applbaum told them, "Expect to do better than the world expects you to do.

"I challenge you to confront the world of life with a sense of urgency. Set goals that aren't too easy to reach," he said. "If you are too scared to fail, you will never succeed."

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo.

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Source: The Pueblo Chieftain

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