Article originally published by the Philadelphia Business Journal on June 1, 2020.
For the past eight years, in my role as Vice Chairman of Drexel University, I have been honored to address in person the graduates of Drexel’s College of Medicine – M.D.s, Ph.D.s and graduates who earned master’s degrees. Enjoying the view from the podium at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia is quite an experience, looking out upon the graduates and their proud families, an audience of about 2,500.
Due to the pandemic this year, a video of my shortened remarks was played during the graduates’ virtual commencement ceremony on May 29. Below are my remarks.
Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Graduates, alumni, families and friends, and members of the College and University community, on behalf of the Drexel board of trustees, welcome to today’s virtual commencement ceremony.
You are starting your careers in the midst of the disruptive change brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. Whether you practice medicine, do research or enter another medical field, your skills and training are much needed.
Out of disruption comes opportunity. We will not bounce back, but spring forward with improved ways of doing things.
My advice to you as you pursue your careers is to take risks, and step out of your comfort zone. Be open to new opportunities that come your way and embrace change – the only constant in life. I encourage you to create your own opportunities. You never know where these might take you.
The following achievements and personal attributes will help you advance in your career:
- your commitment to yourself and others to always strive for excellence;
- how you differentiate yourself by doing new things, and proactively implement positive change in everything you do;
- your interpersonal skills and how you lead others;
- your good critical judgment and common sense;
- your contacts and personal network;
- your ethics, integrity, and your professional and personal reputation.
During your career, be sure to protect your good name. Never violate the trust and confidence others have in you. Once you lose them, it is very difficult to gain them back.
A good friend once shared with me a passage from the West Point Cadet Prayer that reads: “Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.” Remember this, especially when you run into situations that require difficult ethical decisions.
Good luck, and may the wind always be at your back.
On behalf of the board of trustees, congratulations and our very best wishes!
Stan Silverman is founder and CEO of Silverman Leadership and author of “Be Different! The Key to Business and Career Success.” He is also a speaker, advisor and widely read nationally syndicated columnist on leadership, entrepreneurship and corporate governance. He can be reached at Stan@SilvermanLeadership.com.
