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Bounds challenges Delta State graduates to ‘Be advocates of change!’

By May 5, 2012General

Dr. Hank BoundsDelta State University awarded 390 degrees to students during Spring Commencement exercises held Saturday, May 5, inside Walter Sillers Coliseum on the campus.

On the day, one doctoral degree and 13 educational specialist degrees were conferred, while 84 master’s degrees and 292 bachelor’s degrees were awarded through the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education and the School of Nursing.

Delta State President, Dr. John M. Hilpert, opened the morning ceremony by congratulating the graduates and applauding the efforts of family, faculty, and friends that helped them reach this milestone achievement.

Following his welcome, Hilpert introduced the ceremony’s keynote speaker, Dr. Hank Bounds, commissioner of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees.

Bounds echoed Hilpert’s congratulations before presenting the graduates with a series of challenging questions emphasizing the role of technology, the opportunity of taking chances, personal trials, and the importance of change.

“This world is changing at an amazing pace. Technology has accelerated that pace over the past decade. That trend will not change any time soon. Many if not most of the jobs that will be available in a decade do not even exist today,” said Bounds. “So, as you think about the days and years ahead, rather than offer advice, I want to offer up questions. These are questions that you will need to answer, if only for yourself. Some of them I ask myself every day.”

After asking the initial question of “Will you continue to learn?” Bounds stated, “While graduation is thought of as the capstone to your education, it is far from the end of learning. As I mentioned, many of the jobs that will be available when you reach the mid-point in your career may not even exist today.  Obviously, continuing to learn will be important for your success in whatever career path you have chosen. Continuing to seek and gain knowledge will enhance every facet of your life.”

Bounds encouraged the graduates to take the initiative, be bold, and take chances after posing the question “Are you willing to fail?”

“It has been said that failure is one of the surest stepping stones to success.  Don’t be discouraged by failure.  If you don’t fail occasionally, you probably aren’t taking any chances – you probably aren’t being innovative,” he said.

Bounds asked graduates if they could embrace change or make a difference. He noted that graduation is a life-changing event and challenged his listeners to be advocates of change for the Delta region.

“The broader concerns of all humanity are all around us here in the Delta. The key you now hold, your education, has given you the ability to make a better life for yourself.  It has also given you the ability to make life better for others. The children of the Delta, the most vulnerable population in our state, need you to be their advocate,” he said. “Each one of you holds a tremendous capacity to make a difference in the world. You must find in yourself the will and desire to utilize your full potential.”

Expounding on the need for change in the Delta, Bounds offered statistics on population decrease in the region, lost manufacturing jobs, high poverty level, and high dropout rate.  

“The Delta needs your help,” he said.  “You are the skilled workforce ready to get the job done on day one. You are the fireball brimming with a thousand solutions to every problem that comes your way. You are the entrepreneur full of new, innovative ideas, ready to compete and succeed. You are the magnet that will attract business and industry back to this region.”

In closing, Bounds acknowledged that life’s path will take many of the graduates to other areas of the country and world, and encouraged them to keep the Delta close to their hearts, stating, “The Delta needs your bright, creative minds, your warm, giving hearts and your tireless, hardworking hands. I have no doubt that you will change the world.  I look forward to seeing how you will change this part of the world, the Delta, the place that has undoubtedly changed you and your world forever.”