Fontbonne University May 08 commencement remarks submitted by Dana Dreher, Fontbonne's Student Speaker.

Good morning President Golden, board of trustees, regents, our amazing faculty and staff, our guest speaker Mr. James Buford, as well as my fellow graduates, and all of the guests who have come here to celebrate with us today.

I feel very honored and humbled to be speaking at commencement. Back in September as I began my senior year here at Fontbonne, my biggest fear about graduation was that I would trip on the way up to receive my diploma, or even worse, I would not be able to find a parking spot, thus missing the ceremony all together!!! However, when I was asked to speak at this occasion, needless to say, my nerves sky rocketed to an all time high.

I’ve been thinking for the past few weeks about the four years I have spent here at Fontbonne. What I have learned?; how I have grown? What words could I possibly share with all of you gathered today? Upon this reflection, I realized I do not have the words to inspire you to go out and change the world. I simply have the words to ask you to stop, amidst all the craziness, to take a moment and think.

One of my favorite radio stations has a segment they call “This I Believe.” It is here that famous as well as everyday people share short essays about certain beliefs they hold. These are not necessarily religious beliefs, but yet truths people have come to recognize after reflection on the experiences in their lives. That is the challenge I would like to pose to myself, as well as to everyone walking across the stage with me today.

What do we believe? What is important to us? Whose opinions do we value? What are we willing to stand up for? No matter what point we are at in life-whether it be a traditional-age undergraduate student who has been here for four years, a transfer student, or a non-traditional-age student with a lot of professional and life experience, I feel it is important to constantly reassess our beliefs. As we all leave Fontbonne and start a new chapter in our lives, we will be encountering new people on a daily basis; people with different opinions and attitudes that may contradict what we know (or what we think we know). These are the people who will challenge us and make us think about our own convictions. I have learned so much about myself during my time here at Fontbonne. Being open to other’s beliefs and opinions has truly shaped me as an individual. As Fontbonne students, we have constantly been encouraged to learn more and be more. I truly believe that if we learn from every person that we meet, only then will we be working towards the kind of person we want to be.

This is such an exciting point to be at in our lives, whether we are just entering the world as professionals with countless opportunities before us, or continuing our professional journeys. As we assess what we believe as well as open ourselves up to others’ beliefs, I would encourage myself, as well as my fellow graduates to act on the things we feel passionate about and get involved in causes we value.

“What do I believe?” and “What can I learn from others’ beliefs?” These are two questions that will echo in my mind long after this ceremony today has ended. While this day will end, and our time at Fontbonne has ended the experiences we have had (good and bad) the education we have received, and the values we have learned will always be with us. Remember them fondly and learn from them always.

This is the day we have all worked so hard for. It is finally here!! Let’s relax and celebrate. Congratulations Class of 2008 and Good Luck!

Learn More: Commencement Speaker's Comments, Student Commencement Speaker's Comments, Graduation Photo Gallery