December 21, 2008

Purdue graduates urged to make world a better place

Córdova presents degree
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Córdova spoke to 2,749 graduates during two winter commencement ceremonies in the Elliott Hall of Music. In addition to family members and friends in attendance, the ceremonies also were available via a live webcast.

"As a class, you have had substantial influence," Córdova said. "While here at Purdue, you created important initiatives that will help future students and the community for many years."

She praised the class for its spirit of giving and spoke to graduates about their community service projects, including a recent food drive that collected nearly 19,000 pounds of food for Food Finders Food Bank. The total was almost 8,000 pounds more than the Boiler Volunteer Network's goal of 11,000 pounds.

Graduates earn diplomas
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"During the 2007-08 fiscal year, your Purdue student organizations sponsored 69 service events, which generated more than a quarter of a million dollars in charitable contributions," Córdova said. "Add to that the money raised by your independent fraternity, sorority and cooperative housing organizations, and the total grows to nearly $450,000.

"You have more than doubled the number of students participating in community service activities through the Boiler Volunteer Network."

Córdova said the students' influence extended beyond campus to include their impact on the presidential election, in which they held campus voter registration drives and then got people to vote in record numbers.

"You shaped a presidential election; now the future is yours to shape as well," she said. "There has never been a better time to be part of global solutions."

Córdova encouraged graduates to take what they've learned from the classroom, their relationships and families and be confident that they have something to offer the world.

"The world needs to hear from you," she said. "These are imperfect times. The great opportunity lies in seeing the challenges as pathways for innovations at home and on a global scale. The ideas you share can make a difference. The effort you put forth can improve the world."

Córdova told the graduates that they have much in common with John Bradford Harper, who was the first graduate of Purdue in 1875, just 10 years after the Civil War. He received his diploma from university founder John Purdue while six faculty members watched.

"We don't have a copy of the commencement speech that day, but I suspect it said something like this: 'Congratulations, John; now go forth and make the world a better place,'" she said. "As far as we know, John Harper's world did not reach much beyond Indiana.

"In 2008, your world is much different from John's. You think and move beyond borders, above the atmosphere and below the waterline. But your mission can be the same: Make the world a better place. We know you will. You have already begun."

Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Source: France A. Córdova, president@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

PHOTO CAPTION:
Purdue President France A. Córdova hands out diplomas to students graduating with a masters degree during the winter commencement ceremony on Sunday (Dec.21) There were 2,749 candidates for degrees. (Purdue News Service photo/Andrew Hancock)

PHOTO CAPTION:
Graduates make their way on stage to receive their diplomas during Purdue University's winter commencement ceremony on Sunday (Dec. 21). (Purdue News Service photo/Andrew Hancock)

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