Charge to 2016 undergraduate class

Charge to the 2016 undergraduate class of Manchester University by President Dave McFadden:

Congratulations. You are the newest graduates of Manchester University. Your class of 215 graduating seniors joins 57 doctor of pharmacy and master of athletic training graduates who received their degrees this morning and thousands who have graduated before you.

This day is about what you’ve accomplished during your journey at Manchester University. Tomorrow and the next day and the day after that will be about what you contribute in the world. 

As you look to the future, I want you to hear very clearly what I’m about to say: the world needs you. The world needs you. Desperately. The world needs every person of ability and conviction that we can graduate.

That phrase – persons of ability and conviction – is a familiar one at Manchester. It’s part of our Mission Statement which goes like this: Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.

We graduate persons of ability and conviction. You, our newest graduates, are talented and skilled and ready to contribute meaningfully in the places you will work and the communities in which you will live. 

My charge to each of you today is to find a place where what you do with your Manchester education changes the world for the better. My hope for each of you is that the place you find fills you with joy and deep satisfaction. 

The world needs more Manchester graduates. The world needs you. Go get ‘em!

May 2016