“Start writing the next chapter in the story of life.”

Posted on July 19, 2007 by Jennifer Brady

At graduation time there always seems to be a lot of hope in the air, especially if you attend, work at, or are graduating from college. With five campuses in our system, there have been a great many inspirational speeches for the students, parents and alumni of our various campuses. While our online students may not get the same physical effect of an inspirational speech delivered en masse under a canopy spread atop a lush quad, much of what is being said to traditional graduates is every bit as relevant to you as anyone. Maybe more.

One of my favorites this year came from one of our own: Craig C. Mello, the University of Massachusetts Medical School Nobel laureate molecular biologist. You can read more extensively about the whole ceremony and more about what was said here at this link, courtesy of the Worcester Telegram. But here's the part that stood out for me the most:

“My challenge to you members of the class of 2007 is to go out and start writing the next chapter in the story of life,” Dr. Mello told the 181 degree recipients gathered in Mechanics Hall. “If we can learn to build sustainable and resilient societies and technologies, if we can learn to get along with each other, our future is truly staggering and boundless.”

In that last sentence alone, Dr. Mello uses the word "learn" twice. Learning, after all, is what it is all about. Encouraging a group of dedicated learners to press on and continue learning always, whether online or at a traditional campus or in life, is something I think really distinguishes The University of Massachusetts. Sure, other college institutions offer learning, no question about it. But at UMass from my experience here so far, to this basic mission there seems to be an educational philosophy that learning must never stop, that it can occur anywhere, that it is for people or all ages.

[The picture here shows Dr. Mello receiving his Nobel Prize in 2006, Stockholm, Sweden.]