Remarks by Michael M. Hertel

Distinguished Alumni Service Award Recipient

Honored Graduates:

Let me be among the first to welcome you as CGU alums.  Congratulations!  I know it must have seemed an interminable struggle at times.  I know you probably dreaded facing writing one more paper or going through one more examination or one more night or weekend seminar, but you made it—you succeeded!  And now you are in the company of some very good people who are making contributions ranging from government service to teaching, to business.  In case you weren’t aware, CGU alumni count among their ranks

* 38 current and former college and university presidents 
*   2 members of Congress
*   3 MacArthur fellows and
* high-ranking government officials in more than a dozen countries

I envy you this next phase of your lives—taking what you’ve learned here at CGU and putting it into practice in your chosen fields.  It is a challenge that is at once daunting and at the same time one of life’s more rewarding experiences.  So enjoy it! 

I also know all of you are particularly good at learning.  I hope you will continue to nurture that skill, and there’s no better way to do it than to stay connected to this great institution.  In whatever way you choose, stay part of this learning community.  Help those that will follow in your footsteps—you’ll find that particularly rewarding.   Ask important questions.  Help find meaningful answers.  Continue to make important contributions to your families, to your chosen vocation, to the community.  Remember, it is in giving that we receive.

Once again, congratulations!