This is an archive page.  The links are no longer being updated.

REMARKS BY:	DONNA E. SHALALA, SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
PLACE:		Old Dominion University Commencement
DATE:		December 19, 1999
 

I'm very proud to receive this honorary degree. It marks an important passage for me: From friend and admirer of the Old Dominion community to lifelong member. And frankly, I can't think of a better place to be -- because Old Dominion is a community synonymous with pride, excellence, and community service.

Since I want to be brief, I'll make my most important point right up front: Be more than good at your chosen professions -- be good citizens as well. What does that mean? In part it means paying attention to the world around you.

If you were paying attention last week, you'd know that Joseph Heller, one of the great writers of the 20th Century passed away. Known for coming up with great paradoxes, he once said, "When I grow up, I want to be a little boy."

As we prepare to enter the new millennium, there's been a deluge of books, movies, songs, and articles about how much humanity has accomplished - a look back at our entire history.

Here is the Heller-like paradox: These reflections on our character, values and achievements are less about where we've been than where we dream to go. And what are those dreams?

No two are exactly the same. But as a community, I believe we dream of a better health care system; a clean environment; a safe world for our children to grow up; an expanding economy; and one dream that doesn't get enough attention - keeping college loans available to all who need them.

Dream building is hard work - and I don't have any magic formulas, except the one I've already mentioned: good citizenship. The point is, in exchange for opportunity, we are obligated to demonstrate responsibility. That's what citizenship is: Finding in every patch of hard soil a place where dreams will grow and then being willing to feed these dreams with hard work and commitment until they flower.

That's the kind of citizenship you've learned at Old Dominion University. You've learned that being a good citizen means reaching out to the community around you. You've learned being a good citizen requires teamwork - and teamwork brings great success. Just ask the Lady Monarchs field hockey team.

And, you've learned that being a good citizen leads to wonderful days like today.

Though graduation marks the end of your time at Old Dominion, it also begins the challenge of following the ideas -- and ideals - of citizenship that are taught here.

So I hope that with humor and determination, you will accept the challenge to do what you can to create peace and strong communities wherever you may go. Accept it by taking real pride in all you have accomplished.

Accept it by respecting the old -- and guiding those younger than you. Accept it by recognizing and thanking everyone who held the door of opportunity open for you -- and by remembering to keep that door open for all who follow. Accept it by speaking up. Listening up. And for justice -- standing up. Accept it by having fun.

And so, Class of 1999, I wish you all wonderful lives full of adventure, and love, and good health. Good luck and congratulations.