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REMARKS BY:	DONNA E. SHALALA, SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
PLACE:		North Carolina State University Commencement, Raleigh, North Carolina
DATE:		May 20, 2000

Let me begin by saying how proud I am to receive an honorary degree along with a spiritual leader known not only for his convictions, but his compassion.not only for his wisdom, but his wit-the Rev. Billy Graham.

I know that many of you are probably finding it a little hard to believe that you'll soon be leaving the residence halls and classrooms-as well as the Brickyard, and the "Camp Out." But there are four ways to definitely tell that you're really finished with school: Number one: You go from 130 vacation days to 7. Number two: Your salary is less than your tuition. Number three: Your potted plants stay alive. Number four: Getting on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" isn't your dream-it's your best shot at paying back your student loans.

You are the first graduating class of the new century. In 1800, Thomas Jefferson gave us his vision of a country that stretched across the continent-and by the end of the 19th century our nation had moved from the banks of the Pigeon River to the shores of the Pacific. In 1900, we elected a Vice-President-Teddy Roosevelt-who would soon inherit the Oval Office and bring to it his vision of America as a global superpower-and in the twentieth century, we went from the dunes of Kitty Hawk to the dust of the moon.

Now we stand on the threshold of the 21st century-and we must be ready for the unexpected. The question we must ask ourselves is this: What vision will guide this new American century? Will it be a vision where what you contribute is more important than what you earn? Will it be a vision where the common good is the highest good? Or will it be a vision where being an active citizen is more important than being a passive consumer?

Being an active citizen begins with the simplest form of public service: Voting. In the last Presidential election, only 32 percent of people age 18 to 24 voted-one out of three. Democracy can't run on cruise control. There's simply too much at stake for your generation to sit on your hands and sit out an election. The decisions we make as a nation in November will not be a referendum on the past.on the visions of Jefferson and Roosevelt.

November is a referendum on America's future-on your future. In other words, in just six months we will either lay down the cornerstone of America's greatest century. If we don't want to squander our opportunity, then we must set three tests for our vote.

First, the candidates must recognize that our country is an irreplaceable member of our global family. In our increasingly interconnected world, there's simply too much at stake to hide behind narrow, domestic walls. We must help other nations not only survive-but thrive. This isn't about a sense of fairness-it's about common sense, and business sense. We know, for example, that AIDS and malaria-or other infectious diseases-in Africa endanger international political stability. And they endanger our markets- and our jobs. We need these markets to expand, not shrink. But they will shrink if infectious diseases cut down millions in the developing world in the prime of their lives. And they will shrink unless we help construct a global economy that benefits not just the few who are wealthy-but the many who work.

Second, if we don't want to squander our opportunity for greatness, then our leaders must pledge to leave no one behind. We must make sure that from vaccinating babies to protecting the pensions and health care of our grandparents, the solutions we come up with benefit us all. We must also make sure that every American-no matter where they were born or their parents' income-has access to quality, affordable education-right through college and university. There will be candidates who argue we cannot afford social, educational and economic justice. They will argue that as our population ages-and there are fewer workers and more retirees-there will be no way to avoid creating winners and losers. But they are wrong. In this century, the fruits of prosperity and scientific discoveries should pass no one's door.

Third, if we don't want to squander our opportunity for greatness, then the decisions our future leaders make can't be guided by polls and politics-but by character and judgement. What our leaders do in the next few years will help direct not just the course of events.but the course of the century.and the course of our lives. Just last month, we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the fall of Saigon. On the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, there are 58,000 names. Most belong to young men.young men who had followed in the courageous footsteps of their fathers and grandfathers who crossed the Rhine or climbed Pork Chop Hill. Political leaders decide when our nation goes to war. But those who fight wars do not sit in the White House, or in Congress. Those who fight wars are young. They come from places like Raleigh and Concord and Pine Tops. They come from all races, religions and ethnic backgrounds. And today, they will be both men and women. Believe me, there are no books or web sites for making the most difficult public policy decisions. In an age of instant communication-and instant access to information-leaders must still be guided by moral principles, strength of character, restraint in the heat of the moment, and determination in the face of fear. History can be our guide. But in the end-only character and courage can preserve our freedom and values. Remember that in November.

I began today by talking about the unexpected. That reminds me of a story about the well-known educator and author, William Lyon Phelps. Phelps once gave an examination in English literature just before Christmas break. He asked his students to discuss poet Gerard Manley Hopkin's "sprung rhythm" technique. One young man handed in his exam reading, "Only God knows the answer to your question. Merry Christmas." Professor Phelps returned the paper after Christmas with the note, "Happy New Year. God gets an A-you get an F."

The humor in that story comes from the professor's unexpected reply. That's very much what life is all about: The unexpected. Who knows-maybe one of you will someday turn the scientific world upside down like Professor Russell and his colleagues did when they identified the world's first fossilized dinosaur heart.or maybe you'll show the perseverance of Rudy Salas, who's graduating today after taking one class a semester for 17 years.or maybe you'll even become Governor of the Tar Heel State, like my friend and NC State alumnus, Governor Jim Hunt. Whatever you do.or whatever challenges you face, I know you are prepared for the unexpected-because that's what a real education is all about. North Carolina State has prepared you to not only make a living.but to make a life. You have a long journey ahead of you. As you embark on that journey, I wish you good health; good fortune; uncomfortable-but exciting-lives.lasting friendships.and perhaps a little soul.