A.R. Charnes, University Trustee and alumnus, gave the following commencement address Saturday, Dec. 11, at The University of Findlay.

Stand Out and Be Noticed  

A.R. Charnes addresses the graduates and their families during commencement.

Thank you, Dr. Fell.  I appreciate the opportunity to be part of your first graduation ceremony at The University of Findlay. 

All of us gathered here today are excited as we look forward to serving the University under your guidance and stewardship.  Also, I want to congratulate all of the graduates, faculty, friends and families gathered here today for this wonderful celebration!

When I was invited to speak here today I was proud, excited and somewhat fearful.  I have a good friend who is a retired college dean and a (fabulous wonderful favorite) daughter who graduated from The University of Findlay and teaches in Florida (she told me to make sure I referred to her as the fabulous, wonderful and favorite). 

I asked for suggestions and they both gave me the same advice.  Be clear, succinct and brief!  My daughter was very emphatic when she told me “Dad, I know most of what you say is absolutely brilliant, but get over it and be brief!”  

So let me get started!  

First of all I want to ask you for a favor!  When you look around you here today you see your parents, family, friends, professors and the entire support group that has helped you reach this wonderful milestone. 

Tell them “thank you.”  Don’t text them and say “t.y.” Don’t post it on your Facebook page.  Instead, look them in the face and say “thank you.”  When you see your parents later today say “Thank you, and I love you for what you do for me.” 

“Thank you” and “I love you” are some of the most powerful words we can say.  Don’t be afraid to use them and remember they are some of the few words that can’t be over-used!  

As I was thinking about what to say to all of you, I remembered how I felt when I graduated from this fine institution many years ago. 

My thoughts that day are still clearly etched in my mind.  What am I going to do next?  How will I be able to make an impact in this big scary world?  And of course, how much money can I make? 

I knew I had a good education.  I knew I was qualified to succeed, but I wasn’t sure of what I specifically needed to do in order to be recognized and given that opportunity to be successful!

What I am going to share with you today are four actions you can take that will almost guarantee you to stand out among your peers as you embark on your road to success! It worked for me, and it will work for you!

First  Be civil…..we live in a society today where civility is not commonplace! 

We tend not to show respect for authority or like listening to opposing ideas.  Somehow we think we are the only ones with a good idea and no one else is allowed to offer an opinion!  Instead, embrace civility and the ideas and opinions of others.  Treat people with respect and you will truly stand out!  

Second  Work to make the world a better place.  I know you may not make decisions that change the world but each of us can strive to make our little part of the world a better place. 

For example, when we visit someone’s home we know to always leave a gift or a “thank you” note.  We want the hosts to know we appreciate them letting us be a part of their home and life.  We don’t want to leave their home a mess, but instead want to leave their home the same as or better than before we came for the visit! 

Remember life is like a visit to a friend’s home. Take actions that will leave it a better place! The world has been getting along without us and it is up to us to make sure our visit and our actions make the world better!

Third  Be enthusiastic and aggressive.  Don’t be afraid to fail.  Be a “can do” person that is willing to take on the tough jobs! 

Remember, those who work hard to tackle the tough jobs will be recognized and remembered.  Taking chances and remaining enthusiastic and being a contributor will take you further in the long run. 

You may hit a few bumps in the road but you will move further than those who sat back and watched.  

The fourth and final point I want to make is about how you look at life!

Over the past year, our own Dr. John Malacos, the chair of The University of Findlay psychology department, has been talking about “positive psychology” and how “character strengths can affect a person’s overall happiness as well as their achievements and well-being.”

Dr. Malacos is leading the “Power of Positive:  Celebrating Human Goodness” campaign on the University campus. 

The goodness qualities to be celebrated are: 
gratitude,        
spirituality, hope, optimism                                   
wisdom, creativity                                   
compassion, love                                   
courage, perseverance                                   
forgiveness, humility

Taking these “character strengths” and the “power of positive” into the workplace will make you a truly unique individual. The “golden rule” to do unto others does still apply.

There you have it! 

If you want to “stand out and be noticed” you have to:
1.)         Be civil and treat people with respect.
2.)         Make sure you leave the world a better place than you found it.
3.)         Be a “can do” person and don’t be afraid to fail.
4.)         Live a “positive” life! 

Don’t just think about the “power of positive.” Live it!
 
In a few minutes you are going to graduate and join a group of alumni who are proud to have The University of Findlay as part of our lives.  I welcome you to this group and challenge you to help us support this fine institution.  Many people worked before you so you would have these benefits and now it is your turn to join us and accept the challenge to assist future students. 

Now I have one more assignment for you before you graduate.  I want all of the graduates to stand up and look up at the faculty and your parents and friends  who have helped you reach this milestone.  Personally I am going to look at my wife, Mary Ann, who helped me get my degree.                                                . 
On the count of three, I would like all of you to yell “thank you.” 

Ready?

Here we go…one…two…three  

Thank you and good luck as you travel on your road to success!