Commencement Address

Many people have expressed their desire to read my commencement speech, so instead of e-mailing it to everyone, I'm just going to put it here.

I doubt that there has been a single person who has visited the campus of UW-Eau Claire without traversing our beloved footbridge. It is a landmark of our school, and is a great part of what makes our campus beautiful and unique. It exists to support the University, and anyone who comes into contact with it. As a fellow graduate, I have crossed that bridge countless times, and I’ve thought about it a lot. I’ve contemplated beautiful sunsets from its center, and have stood at one end cursing its name as I reluctantly start across through torrential downpours and subzero temperatures. But only recently have I realized that the bridge represents something more. Stronger than the concrete that holds it together are the ideas and philosophies that it represents. The support we have received from our beloved footbridge is akin to the support we have received from countless individuals through our journey at this University. And like the concrete pillars that hold the bridge up, our lives as students have been held up by our own set of pillars, by people who have been there to support us as we have crossed our own personal bridges.

Our first pillar is represented by the folks sitting up in the bleachers. Go ahead, look around, and find a familiar face in the crowd. Smile and wave. Our families and loved ones have always been no further than a phone call, car ride, or blank check away, and they have always offered their love and unconditional support.

Next, take a look to the people in the first few rows. Our second pillar is made up of all of those older and smarter looking individuals who we call professors. Their doors have always been open to us, often disregarding things like “office hours” or “8 hour work days.” They have invested time in our success, and offered wisdom and advice to ensure it.

Our third pillar is made up of fellow students and graduates who have shared a common experience as college students. Over the past several years, we have been on our own, and have sought the comfort of friends who understand the plights of a college student. They have been there to celebrate our successes, and to help us through our struggles.

Now for a long time I was able to sum up the support of these three pillars into three separate, concise statements like the ones I just gave. But after what I’ve experienced the last few months, I could not justify leaving it there. As many of you know, we are celebrating graduation today without the presence of one of our own. On October 16^th, Senior Music Education Major Branden Atherton, a December graduate and dear friend of mine, was killed in a horrible bus accident. Since then, not a day has gone by that I have not thought of him, and I am deeply saddened by the fact that he cannot be here today to graduate with us.

When I first heard of his passing, I was shocked. Anyone here who has experienced the loss of a close friend or loved one can understand that feeling. But as debilitating as that shock was, the response was even greater. Instantly, I saw my friends mobilize to console each other. I saw my teachers unite with us to share in our grief and offer support. I received phone calls from family and loved ones. Administrators, counselors, bosses, and complete strangers were all coming out of the woodwork to offer their support and consolation. Everywhere I turned; there was someone willing to hold me up, to help me across the void created by Branden’s passing.

These people came together to form a bridge, to support those who needed it. These once seemingly separate pillars merged together to form a single passage over a great void. I have now come to realize that this amazing network of people who care, they are the foundation; they are the landmark that defines this University and this community. This place is filled with people who are willing to support a student’s needs far beyond what happens in a classroom.

This support does not end today. After we walk across the podium, out the doors, and away from campus, the bridge will still be there. It will be there through many more sunsets, rain showers and snowstorms. And underneath it will be the pillars holding it up; not only the concrete and metal holding firmly in the Chippewa River, but the people who serve as a foundation for anyone who comes here. After today we will be faced with new barriers to overcome and new bridges to cross. But let us never forget the people who helped us across here in Eau Claire. Should we ever need their strong foundation and unyielding support in the future –and I guarantee you we will— I am certain that it will be there, still standing, through sunsets, rain and snow, and whatever barriers life puts in our way.