♪ KU ♪
It's almost here,
the moment when you officially become
graduates of the University of Kansas.
But before we send you off into the world,
I have a simple message for you,
some words that I hope you'll remember long after today:
Always strive to be something bigger than your selfie.
«Laughter, applause»
That's right, selfie.
In fact, just a minute, just a minute...
Smile!
«Laughter, applause»
Now, why did I take that selfie?
Well, for me,
and for all the faculty and staff at KU,
you are the "something bigger"
that we've dedicated our lives to.
The guidance and mentorship, the classes,
and, yes, even the exams
those are how we help you become the leaders
we expect all Jayhawks to become.
So when I look at that photo,
I'll remember this day, I'll remember you,
I'll remember when you reached this milestone in your lives,
and I'll think of all the great things
that are still in store for you.
And I'll do so already awed by the contributions
you've made during the time that you've been at KU.
Contributions like those of Beka Mullen,
who helped lead the charge
to create the BullDoc Health Center
at Wyandotte High School in Kansas City.
«Applause»
This clinic not only provides free health services,
but Beka and her fellow volunteers serve as role models
for those they are caring for.
Beka becomes Doctor Mullen today
as she graduates from the School of Medicine.
«Applause»
While he was at KU,
Henry Clever saw the challenges faced by his uncle
after a stroke that left him paralyzed.
Using his knowledge of engineering,
Henry developed a new tool,
he called it the Ultramouse,
which uses sensors to enable his uncle,
who is also named Henry,
to communicate more easily.
Henry Clever graduates with his bachelor's degree
in mechanical engineering today,
and says he is determined to use his talents
as an engineer to help others.
«Applause»
Major Sonta Wilburn of the Overland Park Police Department
also graduates today.
She believes we need more female leaders,
including in law enforcement officers.
Her courses in ethics, leadership, and public service
inspired her to create a group where female law enforcement officers
can collaborate and find mentors.
Major Wilburn graduates
with her Master's of Public Administration today,
and is exactly the sort of leader we need more of.
«Applause»
Each of these stories reflects
what it means be apart of something
that is bigger than yourself.
Each of you has it within you,
you have within you the power to do far more
than simply earn a good living,
though I imagine that you, and your parents,
have that at the forefront of your minds right now.
As KU graduates,
you have it within you the ability
to earn a good living and lead a good life.
I said at the start of the ceremony that
KU's first mission is to educate leaders.
You are those leaders - each one of you.
You are who our society will rely on
to solve the grand challenges of our time.
You'll write new symphonies and discover new medicines.
You're the ones who will bring fresh water to communities
and fresh understanding to students seeking knowledge,
and you are the ones who will bring objective news.
You will inspire others through your words
and through your motions.
You'll run for office and you will run companies.
You will counsel the stricken and heal the sick.
Buildings will rise and injustices will fall,
all because of you.
It sounds like a lot to ask.
Maybe even too much.
I don't think so.
In fact, I know that I'm right
because I know what you're capable of.
I know this because I've seen what the Jayhawks
who preceded you down the Hill have done.
And because I've seen what you have done
during your time at this university.
Today, in your cap and gown,
you are a walking embodiment of being
part of something bigger than yourself.
And while some universities have banned
taking selfies at graduation,
I want you to remember this day,
when you achieved this milestone,
surrounded by all the fellow Jayhawks
who walked down the Hill with you.
So get out your phones
«Cheers»
Alright?
Take a quick selfie to remember this moment.
Remember this moment
and all the hard work that led up to it.
We want to celebrate you,
so when you've got your picture,
send it to thehill@ku.edu, thehill@ku.edu
and we'll post it on the KU Facebook page.
«Applause»
Okay I said selfie - not selfies -
so make sure you take a quick photo
and send it to thehill@ku.edu
Got them?
Okay.
«Applause, cheers»
And it looks like mine turned out ok.
Now, the moment you've been working towards
for the past several years:
By the authority vested in me
by the Board of Regents of the State of Kansas,
and upon the recommendation
of the several faculties of the university,
I now confer upon each of you
the degree appropriate to your course of study,
entitling you to all the rights, privileges, and responsibilites
pertaining to that degree.
Congratulations, Jayhawks, and Rock Chalk!
«Applause, cheers»