Dear 2018 Graduates:
On behalf of the entire Stritch Community: Congratulations to all who will be completing undergraduate and graduate programs this year! I will have the honor and pleasure to recognize your achievements by conferring on you the degrees earned following dedicated, hard and thoughtful work.
The time of commencement involves both self-reflection and celebration. As we prepare events to recognize your achievements, let me also take the opportunity to offer some thoughts on both the value and responsibility associated with the award of a Stritch degree.
Let the University’s Core Values Shape Your Life’s Work. As you begin your careers or advance your current professions, do not lose sight of the Core Values that have framed our daily work and interactions with one another: Reverencing Creation, Showing Compassion, Creating a Caring Community and Making Peace. Know that the application of these Core Values throughout your professional and personal lives will have a profound impact on those with whom you live, work and lead.
Challenge Current Habits of Mind. Find a Mentor. Be a Mentor. A Stritch education has equipped you with an extraordinary set of intellectual and spiritual tools – not only to think deeply and critically about your work, your profession and the roles you will assume in various communities, but also the skills you have developed to engage with others and shape society for future generations. Life’s challenges will require you to open your minds and hearts to new possibilities. Identify that mentor or champion who will provide you with personal guidance, respite and unwavering support during this next chapter of your lives. And – be prepared to pay it forward by mentoring others. Never underestimate the profound impact a kind word or thoughtful conversation will have.
Frame Your Life Through Service to Others. St. Francis of Assisi reminds us that when we leave this earth, we take nothing we have received – only what we have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage. All of us at Stritch wish your lives to be filled with great success, knowing that such success will take many forms. May the most rewarding type of success you experience be the knowledge that the service and kindness you offered to others each day – no matter what their life circumstance – transformed lives.
I look forward to congratulating each of you personally on May 20.
Sincerely,
Kathleen A. Rinehart, J.D.
President