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Commencement Speakers Offer Words of Advice

Featured presenters at the college’s commencement ceremony on May 15 were one of the college’s new alumni, Lauren Ginsberg, and Jeff Stocks, chairman of the college’s Board of Advisors and president and general manger of Manpower in Raleigh.

Ginsberg, who received her bachelor’s in business administration with a concentration in finance and a bachelor’s in Spanish language and literature, cited one of the nation’s early presidents and a more recent U.S. general in her student senior class presentation to her peers.

In quoting the words of Abraham Lincoln spoken over 170 years ago: “Whatever you are, be a good one,” Ginsberg said, “I believe these words are still relevant today.” That message was also reflected in a quote she cited from General Hugh Shelton who, when asked during a recent Shelton Leadership Forum about the secret of his success, responded: “I always concentrated on doing the very best that I could in the job and the duties that I was assigned.”
“General Shelton realized the value of being at his best, and if we embrace this challenge, it will serve us equally as well,” Ginsberg said. Read the transcript of her presentation.

Stocks offered three key principles to help the graduates be their best as they launch their careers.

  • Use your ears more than your mouth. Muck like looking both ways when you cross the street, keeping your mouth closed and your ears open will help you navigate the busy crossroads of the business world. Stocks cited a quote from Ernest Hemingway: “I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.” Don’t let that be said of you!
  • Always be in control of how people perceive you by exhibiting flawless character, impeccable integrity and professional excellence. You never get a second chance t make a good first impression.
  • Read constantly. As fast as the world and technology is changing… seemingly everyday… it’s important to stay on the learning track. One of the best ways to continue the learning process is by reading. Newton D. Baker, Secretary of War during World War I made a valuable point when he said, “The person who graduates today and stops learning tomorrow is uneducated the day after.” And he made those comments in the early 20th century! Can you imagine what he would say today? [Read the full transcript of his presentation.]

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