Governor Delivers Chaminade University Commencement Address
With a focus on the qualities that are needed to move our state and nation forward, Governor Lingle called on Chaminade University graduates to use their education to bring about positive change.
From left: Governor Lingle, salutatory undergraduate speaker Elizabeth Pearson and salutatory graduate speaker Nina Ung.
During her commencement address, the Governor reflected on the past year, marked by the challenges created by the current global economic climate, and told graduates they have the power to influence how the year is remembered.
"Out of any challenge comes opportunities to change our approach, how we do business, even our goals," the Governor said. "These are the daunting, but exciting, opportunities that await you. With these times, you have a chance to truly make a difference and to bring about transformational change."
The Governor also called on students to apply the critical thinking skills gained throughout their studies to strengthen their careers and build a stronger community.
Recalling a quote by Thomas J. Watson, Sr., founder of IBM, Governor Lingle told students to "Follow the path of the unsafe, independent thinker. Expose your ideas to the danger of controversy."
"By speaking up and taking an independent view, you can not only prevent states and nations from repeating the same mistakes; but also contribute something positive – something real – to the world we live in, and to a brighter future."
Governor Lingle delivers the commencement address.
This year, Chaminade University also honored the 50th anniversary of the first graduates of Chaminade University (Class of 1959).
Two of the three remaining members of the graduating class, Bernard Lum Hoy and Steve Vidinha, were recognized during the commencement ceremony.
The Governor commented that the men, who graduated in the same year Hawai`i achieved Statehood, "Bore witness to a time of significant economic and social change and served as pioneers of progress for our young state" and encouraged the 2009 graduates to leave their own indelible stamp on Hawai`i's next 50 years as a state.
