Good morning, Guilford family, President Farmbry, esteemed faculty, staff, graduates, and fellow alumni!

It is an honor to represent the Alumni Association and to be part of this celebration, the 2022 graduation ceremony at Guilford College. It is my pleasure to welcome you, graduates, as our newest members.

Sixteen years ago, in 2006, I walked this stage to receive my accounting degree from Guilford as an adult student. I stand before you as a proud Guilford College alumna. Guilford opened my eyes to so many possibilities. When I came to Guilford, I met people unlike anyone I have ever met before from places I had never been. Some of those complete strangers became fast friends and colleagues.

At Guilford, I learned what an engaged professor and a caring staff member meant. How Guilford was a melting pot that includes freedom of expression, acceptance, creativity, and unlimited possibilities.

I learned to shake off shyness and get involved in the things that really interested me and things that would make an impact on my life as well as the lives of others.

I learned the value of a syllabus and a study buddy. I learned how to write six papers at once without someone reminding me of due dates. I learned I would pass an exam that I was sure I failed and maybe failed one that was confident that I aced! Dislike a class I expected to be so amazing and love at least one I dreaded having to take.

I learned what it meant to be challenged in a positive way. As you know, Guilford College is so much more than just a college, it represents opportunities.

Distinguished graduates, you’ve completed a degree that will serve as the platform you will use to launch yourself into your future. Some of you will continue your education, others will go straight into the workforce, but each of you will travel your own path.

No matter where you go or what you do, there are challenges ahead of you. What I’m asking from each of you is to meet those challenges straight on with your head held high and your heart wide open. It’s not enough to simply try to get by in life. That doesn’t move the world forward. You must try to excel in everything you do, strive for excellence in every task, large or small.

Although it may not be easy to see, every accomplishment you achieve is added to the world’s accomplishments. Your individual successes benefit society, because when you succeed, you lighten the burden of others. When you succeed, you are able to give rather than take.

My challenge to each of you is to do all that you can do to reach your full potential. If each of the 247 students in the graduating class can do that, just imagine the effect that would have.

The future is truly in your hands, so make the most of it. As you leave this wonderful and unique institution, I encourage you to share Guilford with others, share what you learned here both inside and outside of the classroom, share how Guilford shaped you into the person you are today. Invite others to explore all the wonderful things that Guilford College has to offer. I encourage you to help other Guilfordians and do what you can to give back through mentoring or volunteering.

In closing I would like to say, I am a proud graduate of Guilford College! I repeat, I am a proud graduate of Guilford College! I am excited to say I have 247 new Guilford friends! To the class of 2022 — you are now Guilford Alumni!

The Alumni Association represents a lot of what Guilford College means to all of you. It’s about maintaining our relationships with other Guilfordians. It’s about planting seeds that eventually grow into new networks and friendships with current students, alumni, and with prospective new students and their parents.

And it’s about appreciating and being thankful for this shared experience we’ve had with this college and to recognize that we have both the opportunity and the shared responsibility to help steward and support this wonderful place for the benefit of the next generation of Guilfordians.