Brian Lees Tells Graduates ‘Greatness Only Comes With Exhaustion’
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., May 14, 2005 -- At graduate student ceremonies at Springfield College’s 119th commencement today, Massachusetts Senate Minority Leader Brian P. Lees, said, “Do not let your failures define you. Do not let them deter you. Accept them, learn from them what you can, and redouble your efforts for eventual success.”
Speaking to an audience of about 2,500 graduates, college officials and guests at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony on the campus’ Administration Green, Lees also said, “Now that you have resolved to accept failure and atone for your mistakes, you are free to reach for the limits of your abilities. Greatness only comes with exhaustion. So please, push yourselves, inspire yourselves, challenge yourselves.”
Earlier in the event, Lees received an honorary doctor of humanics degrees recognizing his work as a legislative leader on issues pertaining to health, small business development, law enforcement, aging, agriculture, youth, hunger, poverty, community service, women’s advancement, and other concerns. Springfield College has, historically, awarded honorary degrees to a few outstanding individuals who, by their character and accomplishments, personify the college’s guiding philosophy, humanics. The philosophy emphasizes the dedication of spirit, mind and body for leadership in service to others.
At its 119th commencement, Springfield College awarded four doctoral degrees, 375 master’s degrees, four certificates of advanced study, and two physician assistant certificates. In separate ceremonies for undergraduate students tomorrow on the campus, the college will award 700 bachelor’s degrees. Faculty, staff and students from Springfield College’s main campus and nine satellite campuses of its School of Human Services around the country are participating in commencement events.
Recent Headlines
- Springfield College Dance Concert, William Simpson Fine Arts Series
- Springfield College, MCDI to Serve Community Thanksgiving Dinner
- Springfield College Featured in New Museum of Springfield History
- Springfield College Receives Super 60 Award as Major Contributor to Regional Economy
- Springfield College Event to Address Baha’i Persecution in Iran