A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Good afternoon. Thank you for the kind introduction, Executive Vice President and Provost Russ Warren, President Dr. Kirby Godsey, honorable faculty and staff and other members of the Mercer University community. I especially want to thank the proud parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters. And, most of all, I want to congratulate the Mercer University Class of 2000. I know this day will forever be etched into your memory.

All of you are to be congratulated for your accomplishment in reaching this milestone. But, I hope you will also take a moment or two today to think about those who helped you get to this point - your parents, family, professors, and friends. They deserve a special "thank you" and round of applause.

I still remember the day I graduated from Furman University, just a little north of here, and even though I have experienced other exciting and even momentous events since then, I look back on my college graduation as the day that many new worlds of opportunity opened up for me.

It is a pleasure to be back in Georgia. Just last fall, I went on an education bus tour that took me through Mableton, Atlanta and Lilburn.

I also have a family connection here at Mercer University. My brother, Pat Riley, graduated from Mercer University School of Law. Sorry, he's the other Pat Riley. Not the basketball coach.

I am just sorry that I did not get the opportunity to see the famous Georgia cherry blossoms. We have cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., but not like the ones in Macon. Cherry blossoms represent spring and new life and I've seen that in my own family. My wife, Tunky, and I just welcomed our eleventh grandchild into the world. The South is steeped in new life, learning and history. You know, William Faulkner once said "the past isn't dead, it isn't even past." This couldn't be truer than right here in Macon. The rich heritage that is Macon is alive and well in your communities, streets and homes.

For example, each of you can find meaning in the commitment to education of the 19th century Georgia Baptist leader Jesse Mercer, founder of Mercer University. His vision has created a vibrant learning environment.

Today, Mercer University is consistently ranked among the top schools in the South and it is the only university of its size in America that combines programs in eight diversified fields. And, just this morning, I drove by the Harriet Tubman Museum, a fitting memorial to an outstanding American who fought for freedom and justice.

In considering the development of Mercer University and the accomplishments of its students, I was reminded of a great Georgian who faced and overcame many challenges and helped build opportunities for so many who came after him. Jackie Robinson broke major league baseball's color barrier in 1947 by becoming the first African American in major league baseball. The segregation he endured throughout his life even carried over to the ball field.

Jackie Robinson fought hard for the opportunity to play in the major leagues. Despite many obstacles, he persevered and went on to have a legendary career and he is enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Today, we realize that Robinson's greatest successes were not his batting titles, awards or championships. There was something more important than the accomplishments he achieved on the field - the legacy of expanded opportunity exemplified by his dedication to give back to the community.

And this is the subject I want to speak to you about today--about using what you have learned to give back and, in doing so, create opportunities for others.

As the Mercer University Class of 2000, you have an opportunity to create your our own future. You are graduating into a time of real possibilities and opportunities.

In this new century, our communities are diverse and our country is strong. We are living in the longest economic expansion in history. We are moving from record debt to record surplus.

Unemployment is at its lowest point in 30 years. There are more jobs than ever. In fact, 21 million new jobs have been created since 1993. We live in a computer age, the DOT.com age, which offers even more opportunities for a successful future.

When you began your journey to higher education, you had confidence that it would benefit you professionally. But, of course, it brings broader benefits by strengthening your character and preparing you for the world after Mercer University.

With your enhanced education you will be able to advance not only up the ladder of pay but also up the ladder of responsibility. As you graduate today, you will be well prepared to enter this world of possibilities.

But, as you move forward, you will continue to face challenges. Your spiritual side, values and character will be tested every day. Facing those challenges head-on, building on your values and character, and giving back to your community and country will help you move forward.

There will be days when no matter how smart you are, how often you know the right answers, or how well Mercer University prepared you for your career, you'll feel disillusioned. There will be months that you wonder if you're on the right path or if you've made a mistake in the direction you're going.

The author Richard Bach wrote: "You are led through your lifetime by the inner learning creature, the playful spiritual being that is your real self. Don't turn away from possible futures before you're certain you don't have anything to learn from them."

As you take chances and learn, always be willing to give something back to your community. For instance, we must continue to open the doors of higher education to all Americans who, regardless of their financial status, who are willing to work hard and make the grade.

In thinking about giving back to your community, please remember that the time we give to others is one of the most important gifts we can give. The time we set aside to listen, to care, to lift someone up, or even help them heal, is very important. Our task in this time of great change is not to retreat to our own separate worlds - but rather to do just the opposite - to reach out and connect with each other.

I also ask those of you who have children or who hope to have children to do one more thing - slow down your lives. We live in a world where "speed" is of the essence.

We want our packages to arrive overnight. We want faster search engines for our computers. The pace of modern life is getting faster and faster. But I worry that in the process of all this rushing around we are missing something that is far deeper.

We are letting our children grow up, at times, almost alone and disconnected. I encourage each of you to reach out and become a volunteer, tutor or mentor. No one stands taller than when he or she stoops down to help a child.

Several days ago, I read a story in the Washington Post about a college student in Washington, D.C. Her dad, a construction worker, had been killed on the job last year.

Out of that tragedy, the student was inspired to give something back. So, she came up with a plan to build a playground. Today, what was once a patch of grass in one of the most disadvantaged sites of the city is now a beautiful playground.

So, I challenge the graduates, their families and the entire Mercer University community: as you go forward through life, think about that college student in Washington, D.C. and others like her, and the ways you can make a difference.

As you look toward and prepare for the future, commit yourself to the values that strengthen and connect you to your family, spirituality and community. Let me close now by offering you words from Ralph Waldo Emerson in a verse he wrote about success. He wrote:

"What is success?
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty; To find "the best" in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
That is to have succeeded."

You have had a great start and have built a strong foundation here at Mercer University. But your journey of lifetime learning and giving has just begun. So, I say to you, the Mercer University Class of 2000, go forward with courage, character and strength.

I urge each of you to continue to aim high, set goals, work to be good citizens and strengthen your community and nation, and never stop moving forward. In this way, each of you will achieve success. I wish you the best of luck and congratulations. God bless you.