Campus Chronicle

Issue date: 4/28/08 Section: Graduation

Media Credit: Linda D. Williams Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Barbara Henley, commemorates this year's graduates.

Dear Graduates,

Congratulations! This is a wonderful and exciting time for you, your family and friends. You are graduating and are ready to go out to conquer the world. My anticipation of the future for you is exhilarating, because of the great possibilities and achievements of which you are highly capable. After all, you will be graduates of UIC.

For the past 16 or 17 years (most of your lives), you have been going to school. During that time you have donned those heavy backpacks (that take up the space of two people in the University Hall elevators) and trudged through rain, snow and sleet to pursue academic excellence. Many of you have combined your educational pursuits with engagement in myriad opportunities that developed your leadership abilities. Many of you have extended yourselves through volunteer and philanthropic activities. Some of you have contributed to the ever-widening political, social and economic debates. These are your passions - those things or ideals held deeply and worthy of sacrifice - but you must now seek extension of your passions, for the global world awaits you. You are ready! Your UIC education has equipped you to continue learning, to engage with others in our diverse society and world, to accomplish much in your chosen professions, and to accept the fact that there is no such thing as a summer vacation anymore.

As you endeavor to conquer the world, I encourage you to continue to have courage and faith; continue to achieve; continue to volunteer and give to others; continue to be of good character; and continue to respect human dignity. You never know if the person you "step on" today will be your boss tomorrow. Go forward, and take the world by storm.

On behalf of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, I congratulate again the Graduating Class of 2008. We are proud to be a part of your journey. While I wish you strong "winds beneath your wings" and smooth sailing, the truth is, you will encounter turbulent skies. That's just the way life is; but please remember, you are resilient, and UIC will always be there for you. Write and visit us often. You are linked inextricably with UIC for life. You infused this institution with your presence, your purpose, your energy, and your creativity. You are UIC!

Best wishes,
Barbara Henley, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

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