The 66th Purdue University Calumet Fall Commencement took place on Tuesday afternoon at the Hammond Civic Center. The gymnasium was filled with proud families and friends that watched as their graduates received their well-deserved diplomas.
The commencement started out in traditional fashion with “Pomp and Circumstance” ushering in the processional. The National Anthem brought everyone to their feet and Professor Feng-Song Wang of Purdue Calumet opened, followed by greetings from Purdue Calumet's Chancellor, Thomas L. Keon.
Congressman Pete Visclosky of the First Congressional District of Northwest Indiana was the keynote speaker at the commencement. He congratulated the graduates on their achievements and he provided them with three messages to keep with them as they journey on through their lives. The first highlighted the Northwest Indiana area as a great place to work and live.
“During your academic career, you acquired skills and learned methodologies that have equipped you to be strong, successful leaders. I urge you to consider using your enhanced talents to make our region a better place work and live. Your class represents what Northwest Indiana needs: university graduates who call our region home,” Visclosky stated.
His second message was clear and simple: Don't ever let someone tell you that you can't.
“When you leave here today, you will continue to face uncertainty, unpredictability, and many unknowns,” Congressman Visclosky said to the graduates. “Take courage in knowing that you are your finest ambassador. Trust that you are your strongest representative. Know that you are equipped to address the challenges and opportunities you encounter. Have hope and undertake your journey with confidence and resolve. And don't ever let others dictate your destiny.”
His final message to the graduates encouraged them to take advantage of the education that they earned at Purdue Calumet and use it and their own unique skills to make their mark on the world.
“...Each and every one of us has unique talents, and a unique way of looking at the world,” Congressmen Visclosky said. “With the skills learned here at Purdue Calumet, you have the ability to harness your natural talents and perspectives in a way that nobody else is capable of, and I urge you to continue to do your very best as you apply yourself from this day onward.”
Then, the dream that many in attendance have had in their hearts for years finally became a reality. All of the graduates rose and one-by-one, walked across the brightly lit stage at the announcement of their names to receive their diplomas.
After the conferring of degrees which were accompanied by big smiles, handshakes, hugs, and shouts and whistles from the crowd, the graduates were seated. They were then welcomed into the Purdue Alumni Calumet by Shontrai Irving, President of Purdue Alumni Calumet. Irving had the best entrance of the day by executing a back flip, while wearing his academic regalia, to the podium.
“Hold you head up high when you say that you are a graduate of Purdue Calumet for it has produced great leaders that rival graduates from any university,” Irving said. “You are now part of this elite group of extraordinary people. Congratulations once again.”
The response came from the 2013 class's Student Government President, Adam Cooper. He encouraged his classmates to be lifelong learners.
“To our graduates I say congratulations on your great accomplishment. Bravo! While this day does mark the end of many of your college journeys...and you have your diplomas in hand, your work does not end when you walk out of those doors at the conclusion of this ceremony,” Cooper said. “No two people share the same college experience, and after 125 hours worth of work and long nights...everyone finishes having learned different lessons. Although I think that there is one lesson that is far more important than all the rest. And if you remember anything from this presentation, remember this: I hope that all of you, and I mean all of you, have learned to love learning. That is the most valuable gift that you can take away from your college experience.”
The symbolic turning of the tassels concluded the commencement exercises, and the newest alumni to Purdue University Calumet stood and rejoined their family and friends. Celebration ensued as cameras flashed and clicked, hugs were given, and the phrases, “Congratulations!” and “You did it!” and other affirmations filled the Civic Center.
Following Commencement, I got a chance to speak with Congressman Visclosky. He elaborated more on the future opportunities that the graduates from Purdue Calumet now have at their fingertips here in Northwest Indiana.
“I believe that each of us has a responsibility to take whatever talents that God gave us and maximize them,” Congressman Visclosky said. “And then once you've done that, you have to give something back. And I can't answer what that is for you or for my sons or for any of the people that graduated today. Each person has to make their own decision. My responsibility as a public official is to make sure that they understand that we really want to give them an option to stay here in Northwest Indiana because when you graduate from Purdue Calumet you need a job. And not just any job, a rewarding job that provides you with a career and essentially a life adventure.”
Visclosky suggested that the completion of the South Shore Rail Line would have a dramatic affect on the decisions of individuals looking to pursue careers. This completion will be a crucial tool used to solidify and strengthen Northwest Indiana's economy, tourism and vitality. In the case of the graduates and young people starting out in the working world, this will mean commuting will be easier if one decided to get a job in Chicago, or pursue a career in our bustling manufacturing industry. The attractions like Lake Michigan and the unique towns and cities that line its shores make this area very special indeed.
There is a lot to be discovered here, and for those of you who just graduated or are new to the workforce: it's your time to make those discoveries. But where do you start? How do you find out what contributions your specific talents can make here in Northwest Indiana?
“First off, you have to make a living, so the first place I’d suggest going whether it's at Purdue Calumet or our other educational institutions in the area is a placement office. I couldn't tell them from their specialty and their skill sets where their best opportunities lie in Northwest Indiana. What I have to do is make that investment so we can do the South Shore Rail Line, we can do the Lake Shore, we can get the Gary Airport expanded, and in turn draw companies to the area. Then there is going to be a longer list at that placement office in the coming years,” Congressman Visclosky said in conclusion.
Click here to see more photos from the Commencement!