For many of you, the path to this commencement has not been an
easy one. You may be the first in your family to attend college.
Choosing to go to college in and of itself can be a daunting task.
There are forms to be filled out, meetings with advisers, placement
tests to be taken, schedules to work through, and a whole new
world ahead.
Many of you faced other challenges along the way. You have
gone to school in between working and or taking care of a family.
There were times when I am sure you wanted to give up, when it
wasn’t so easy to get that homework or paper done, but you did it.
You persevered and it has paid off. Celebrate your job well done,
and, as you revel in your accomplishments, be sure to give your
families and significant others a big thank-you hug for all of the
times that they were there to support you as well. While you are
at it, be sure to thank your professors for all they did to assist you.
In the words of George Boggs, president and CEO of the American
Association of Community Colleges, “Teachers are truly scholars
who work magic both for their community and for the lives of
students.”
Cumberland County College, through its vision to “enhance the
quality of life through excellence in education, community
leadership and economic growth,” has played an important role in
assisting you to achieve your goals as well
.
Much like Abraham
Lincoln, leaders of your college understand that the betterment of
society begins with education. They developed a strategic plan
based upon improving access, alignment, and accountability. They
set goals to strengthen partnerships within the community to ease
the transition from secondary to postsecondary schooling, from a
community college to a four-year institution, and finally from
college to work. When our office at the U.S. Department of
Education developed its plan to “Serve Community Colleges,” we
made collaboration and partnership the first of our core values. I
