U graduates should WS foster postive changes brent chuge a - Guest Commentary Four years ago, I was accepted to Weber State College and like many did not anticipate the unforeseeable events at. this institution that would leave a lasting impact on my life. Clearly, we have seen “the power of change” during our stay at Weber State University. Beginning with the transformation of have made many sacrifices and spent endless hours working on a ‘conscious endeavor’ — to create an educational cornerstone that will be the foundation of our careers and lifelong learning. I am proud to join you in this commencement that is representative of this | dedication. The excellent educational base we have gained at Weber State has enhanced an element of freedom in each of us. It has made us free — free to. | make wise choices; free to speak up and a college to a university, milestone after speak out for what is right; free to premilestone has passed by in the interim pare for a rich and rewarding lifetime; of our educational journey. Major con-| free to make a difference in our everystruction currently illustrates the further day adventures; free to experience life expansion of this great institution. In with its ever-changing, new horizons. addition to name change, new buildings We now separate and venture out inand new programs, we have also learned change can be a very frightening to society not merely to assimilate our knowledge with the professional world thing. | but to make a lasting impact. The immediate implications of such a It will tax your intellect, but it should word causes uncertainty and, often, also stretch your heart's capacity for frustration. I frequently. wondered if. -compassion and your will for commitWoodrow Wilson did not foresee the ment, and strengthen your character. I 1993-1994 year at Weber State when he cannot phrase it any better than Woodsaid, “If you want to make enemies, try row Wilson, who clarified his previous . to change something.” However, this i1S statement when he said, “You are not not the purpose of change.. here merely to make a living. You are It is, in fact, to help us become our here in order to enable the world to live best selves and will thus make our more amply, with greater vision, with a world a better place. The greatest finer spirit of hope and achievement. change we have participated in is the You are here to enrich the world, and change within ourselves. you impoverish yourself if you forget Henry David Thoreau once wrote: “] the errand.” | know of no more encouraging fact than The world is changing at a very rapid the unquestionable ability of man to elrate. Be committed to the errand in- evate his life by a conscious endeavor. vested within each of us, which is to _ It is something to be able to paint a parbring about positive changes. Also, be ticular picture, or to carve a statue, and proud of this great institution that ‘has so to make a few objects beautiful; but provided you with the fertile ground for it is far more glorious to carve and academic attainment and personal _ paint the very atmosphere and medium growth. In conclusion, I ask each of you through which we look, which morally this morning to take your skills and talwe can do.” ents and affect our lives and the lives of To effect the quality of the day, that others. ! ie is the highest of arts. Every man is task’ Brett Chugg, a graduate and president ed to make his life, even in its details, of the Associated Students of Weber worthy of the contemplation of his State University, delivered this speech at most elevated and critical hour. We— today’s commencement. 2 \ * Ns ; ‘ } . i ‘ NS