Commencement Address Fall 2021
Graduates, in your time at UT Dallas, you have been given a firm foundation to contend with – and even thrive in – a world that never ceases to change.
About that word – change. One definition is to “make someone or something different.”
So, it is worth asking, “How are you different since enrolling at UT Dallas?”
Did you connect your interests with your passions? We certainly do everything possible to ensure that you can do so as you progress toward the completion of your degree.
No doubt, you have been challenged during your time here, as you learned from and collaborated with others:
- With your professors and classmates;
- With your internship partners; and
- With librarians and coaches and program directors.
Countless people came into your life to mentor you … to support you … to challenge you, and, most importantly … to believe in you.
By allowing yourself to be challenged at UT Dallas, and by accepting input from others, you changed … for the better!
You have acquired both the knowledge and the experience to continue to adapt and succeed in a world that is often unpredictable.
What you take away from this day is so much more than a diploma.
You leave with the knowledge that you are an accomplished student … someone who can forever learn new things.
You have the ability to shape your future, and you have demonstrated the intellect and persistence needed to achieve those goals.
There are few joys greater than the realization that you are smart and well-educated, with years of achievement and reward lying ahead of you.
I envy you and I thank you.
- Thank you for choosing UT Dallas for your studies.
- Thank you for making the faculty, staff and your fellow students better by your presence.
- And finally, thank you for using your education from this dynamic university not only for yourself, but also for the well-being of society.
Please stay connected with us and with each other. As a graduate you always are welcome here.
Congratulations, UT Dallas Class of 2021!