I am honored by the invitation of the School of Education to join you tonight for this celebration of student teachers. I congratulate each of you on your academic achievement and on your commitment to serve others in the ages-old profession of teaching.

Your faculty have dedicated themselves to preparing you as teachers who will make a difference in this profession. They have ensured that you know theory…that you have experienced some professional practice…that you understand your responsibilities and the ethics of your profession…that you welcome your challenges…that you care about and for your students. They have introduced you to the best practices of this profession, and they have encouraged you to develop some of your own best practices to share with others. By their example and experience, they have challenged you to be a leader in your classroom, in your school, in your community and in this profession. You are well prepared!

On your behalf, and as Carlow University’s president, I thank the faculty in the School of Education for bringing you to this point in your emerging career. I congratulate them for ensuring that another class of Carlow University teachers will assume responsibilities in the schools which need them and in the hearts and minds of the students who will learn from them.

Teaching is a profession dedicated to the conviction that life is about ‘paying it forward’ and ‘giving back’ to move people into more enriched lives. Teaching is more about the future than about the present. You have chosen this profession because you understand that fact…because you experienced good teachers who did that for you and others…because you care about others …and because you care about the future.

You know that what you do with and for your students will make a difference in their lives and in the lives of those whom they will touch. You know that the lessons you teach by word and example will shape a better future for each of those students if they participate in their learning and let the good things happen which flow from that learning. You will lift up your students to see more than they thought they would see.

You will raise them on your shoulders to elevate their perspectives, just as you have been raised on the shoulders of others to envision a bigger world than you would have seen on your own. You also know that you will continue to learn and grow with and through your students and colleagues. Teachers are at the same time learners, and learners have a wonderful way of being teachers.

As you leave Carlow with your shiny new Master’s or Bachelor’s degree, know that you take a bit of Carlow with you. Not only is the name of Carlow University written large on your diploma; the values of Carlow are written large in your heart. You carry with you a long-standing tradition of excellence, and you will make us as proud of you as we are of all the teachers who have graduated from Carlow. You will inspire others to follow in your footsteps, just as you are following in those of teachers who have gone before you.

As the School of Education tonight celebrates graduates of its programs, I am reminded of the words of Sir Thomas More, as captured in the movie “A Man for All Seasons”. Thomas is approached by an ambitious and well-educated young man, named in the film Richard Rich, who asks Thomas for his political influence in advancing his stalled career. Since Richard had become a ‘hanger-on’ in Thomas’ office, Thomas knows Richard’s selfish and ambitious heart quite well. He fears that politics will contaminate him, so Thomas encourages him to find a better way of making a living by using his intellect and talents in the service of others. “Be a teacher…become a good teacher” he urges. Richard responds: “And if I were to be a good teacher, who would know? Who would praise me for my accomplishments?” And Thomas answers: “Who would know? You…your students…your God. What better audience could there be than that”?

And so, in the spirit of Thomas More’s advice, I applaud you for choosing to be teachers and I know that you will be good teachers. In following this path you have chosen, you will daily know that you are doing God’s work in teaching others. Your students, your Alma Mater, and your God will bless you for your dedication to the education and service of others. I congratulate you on your graduation and on taking the next step on your journey, and I look forward to giving you your well-earned diploma on Saturday.  

-- Dr. Mary Hines, President, Carlow University