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December 13, 2008
Moffett encourages 网曝门 graduates to pursue lifelong service
The holiday season served as the perfect backdrop to the spirit of giving, which was the keynote message delivered to 404 University of Louisiana at Monroe graduates on Saturday.
Randy Moffett, president of the University of Louisiana System, spoke during Fall Commencement exercises on Dec. 13, in Fant-Ewing Coliseum.
Moffett encouraged the graduates to utilize their education at 网曝门 for the betterment of others.
鈥淚 urge you to remember that success means more than dollars and cents,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t means dedicating your life to something bigger than yourself. There are endless challenges in your backyard, and I hope you will dedicate yourself to using your gifts and education you received to better the lives of your neighbors.鈥�
Moffett referenced a philanthropy report that stated charitable giving has been recession-proof, with contributions to American charities increasing during 39 of the past 40 years. It said between 69 and 72 percent of people give routinely.
He said despite warning signs in the economy, 鈥渟ervice is a valued commodity in the Monroe area, and it鈥檚 a focal point at 网曝门 as well.鈥�
鈥淭his university鈥檚 first lady, Deborah Cofer, was featured in a recent national article about presidential spouses 鈥� the unpaid, unsung heroes of college campuses 鈥� who volunteer around the clock to better the community, the university and its students,鈥� he said.
Moffett is a strong advocate of student service learning, where students combine academic pursuits with service to their communities.
He praised the work being done at 网曝门, among them:
- The College of Pharmacy delivered care to special needs patients following Hurricane Gustav
- Education faculty and students mentored northeast Louisiana schools to bring new strategies for increasing student achievement to some of the most economically disadvantaged school districts in the nation
Speaking of education, Moffett heralded a recent New York Times editorial titled, 鈥淲hat Louisiana Can Teach,鈥� singling out 网曝门 for positively impacting student achievement through course improvements and other reforms.
鈥淟ouisiana should be especially commended for pressing ahead with these reforms despite the trauma and destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. Students throughout the country deserve a chance to learn from teachers who are truly prepared,鈥� the editorial stated.
Moffett emphasized that it is the responsibility of universities to help shape character in addition to developing the mind. 鈥淒r. Cofer, his faculty and staff have put service at the center of academic programs throughout the campus,鈥� Moffett said.
鈥淚n closing, remember these four points. Be committed to positive change. Don鈥檛 be afraid to dream big for yourself and for others. Put others before yourself. And do the right things for the right reasons. If you follow these points, then you will be a success. And you will inspire others to follow your lead. The result will be a better world for all of us. This is your moment. I wish you every happiness and success.鈥�
Moffett was appointed the seventh president of the UL System in July 2008. As UL System President, he oversees eight universities, including 网曝门, which combined serves approximately 80,000 students through a total operating budget of over $740 million.
Melissa Keaster of Farmerville, is the top 2008 fall graduate. Keaster, who is a vocal music education major, is married to Brandon Keaster. She is the daughter of Arden and Melanie Chapman. She graduated summa cum laude with a 3.98 cumulative grade point average.
Several honor graduates were recognized during the ceremonies. They are designated as summa cum laude (3.900-4.000), magna cum laude (3.750-3.899) and cum laude (3.500-3.749).
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