Dream big and change the world

It’s graduation season — one of my favorite times of the year, second only to the holidays when my children and grandchildren come to visit.   

We in academe call it “commencement” — a word that means “the beginning” — which is fitting because we are celebrating the start of something new in the lives of our graduates.  We come together to celebrate their success and to honor the dedication of our remarkable faculty and staff who have helped them reach this point.   

This month, thousands of PASSHE university graduates all across the state will join the ranks of nearly 850,000 who came before — taking what they’ve learned and doing great things in the world. For those graduating this year, their resilience and determination are exceptional, especially considering the many challenges they’ve faced during their university years, not the least of which was a worldwide pandemic.  

When I was a faculty member — and then as university president — I committed myself to understanding the needs of our students and preparing them for successful futures. Now, as the system chancellor, I’m equally excited to support our PASSHE universities as they equip students to be our future leaders, thinkers, creators, teachers, and more.   

It’s our responsibility to foster our students’ growth as critical thinkers, good communicators, and astute problem solvers while they meet the evolving needs of their communities and their employers. This spring, about two-thirds of our graduates will earn credentials in fields such as business, education, healthcare, psychology, and STEM programs—all of which are currently experiencing significant talent shortages. That requires us to constantly evaluate the demands of employers and students.   

One way we are addressing this is by enhancing STEM education through hands-on experiences, incorporating advanced technologies such as drones, simulators, and robotics. This approach enriches learning and improves our students' employability across various industries.  

Another way we address this is by understanding that today’s college students are looking for more than just a job; they want a career that aligns with their values and positively impacts society. For example, many are pursuing careers that tackle sustainability-related challenges. As the demand for green jobs continues to rise, PASSHE graduates are poised to contribute to ethical solutions to the most vexing problems that threaten people, planet, and prosperity today and tomorrow.   

Our graduates are beginning the next chapter of their lives not only equipped to enter (or enhance) their careers but also better prepared to contribute to society and help our community, our state, and our nation thrive. That is the power of PASSHE.  

To our graduates, I wish you all the success in the world. Remember this final thought: Don't be afraid to dream big. You’ve already proven you have the determination to change the world. 

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

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