The University of Akron
Commencement Exercises
Spring 2024
Remarks
Gary L. Miller
President
Congratulations, graduates!
One of the great pleasures of being the president of a university is that I get to give you some last words of advice before you head out into the world.
It is a particularly great pleasure this year because most of you started your time at Akron around the same time I did.
I have been in higher education for almost 40 years, and I have never seen a more resilient, courageous, innovative and positive graduating class.
However, I still think you could use some advice. So here are 10 pieces of sagacious advice to live by:
- You have received an excellent education at UA. But remember this: The most powerful tool you have in using this education is empathy. People who are sensitive to the circumstances of others are the ones who solve the big problems.
- Unfortunately, you will find people in this world who dismiss you, ignore you, take advantage of you and show outright disdain for you. If you want to develop your skills at dealing with people like this, get a house cat. You will have the opportunity to deal with rejection every day of your life.
- Civilized societies embrace a common good. This good comes from mutual respect, from taking care of one another and from lending a hand to those in need. Nurture this precious commonwealth through a life of service.
- Despite what you may have heard, there is truth. As an educated person, it is your obligation to seek it. As an educated person, it is your obligation to speak it.
- If you want to persuade someone of something, the first thing you have to do is listen to that person very carefully. Understanding another person’s perspective—even if you disagree with that perspective—is the only way to get that person to understand what you think.
- Be optimistic. After all, it is theoretically possible for the Browns to win the Super Bowl.
- Some of you will become billionaires. When you do, please do not build rocket ships. We have enough of those guys already. Instead, buy yourself a nice car and give the rest of the money to The University of Akron . . . hey, it was worth a shot.
- The very best way to interject yourself into a conversation is to ask a question. Everyone enjoys talking with people who are curious.
- The single most important characteristic of successful people is they don’t believe they have finished their education. Keep learning. It is the only way to succeed.
- Love is not a thing. Love is the only thing. Find love. Give love. This will make you happy.
Congratulations to all of you. Take care of one another and remember, you are always a Zip!