'The Most Important Rule': Key Takeaways from Speakers at Xavier Commencement 2023
May 19, 2023
From the words of a four-star general to those of a star student, Cintas Center saw no shortage of profound insights Saturday at Xavier University’s 185th Commencement Ceremonies.
Picture yourself among the Class of 2023 as they experience these impactful moments from this year’s graduation speakers. You can also watch the full speeches below.
U.S. Army General Michael X. Garrett (84’) (Retired)
On his own graduation and the importance of showing gratitude:
I earned my Xavier degree back in 1984, 39 years ago, and it’s always felt good to think back on how good it felt that day. But it wasn’t until much later in life that I began to process just how hard my mom and dad worked to raise and inspire me, and how proud they must have been of me and my sisters when we reached milestones like this. I know I thanked my folks for all they’d done for us, but I certainly didn’t do it enough.
Maybe we can never thank our loved ones enough for guiding us through an achievement like this — but you can still try. When this ceremony is over, I’m asking each of you to give a big hug to the people who helped you get here, and at least try to let them know how much their support means to you.
On his No. 1 rule in life:
The most important rule I’ve followed is a simple one — never walk past trash
Starting today, each and every one of you will live and study as citizens of the world. As you begin to work, serve, and love this world a bit more each day, as you learn to care about your communities and your neighbors, I’m asking you to keep it as clean as this little corner of northeast Cincinnati where you’ve spent the last few years.
Don’t walk past literal trash on the ground. Don’t walk past figurative trash, words, or behaviors that hurt, discriminate, or bring people down. And don’t accept trash talk in your own head, like self-doubt and excuses, when you know you’ve got every reason to be optimistic for the future.
Don’t walk past a piece of trash without picking it up. Don’t allow yourself to notice something wrong happening around you without doing something to make it right. It’s the one rule that’s gotten me out of more tight situations than any other and allowed me to serve in the highest ranks of the world’s greatest military. Doing so might just take you somewhere even more interesting.
Margaret Schroeder, Class of 2023, John A. Elet, S.J., Scholar
On what it means to remain “unfinished” in the years ahead:
College is over now — or is it? Enrolled in the college of experience, majoring in maturity, and minoring in adventure, you set out to grow. Xavier has not fulfilled you, completed you, or finished you. All we’ve done — if we’re lucky — is fed your hunger to remain unfinished. What does it mean to remain unfinished? When we cross this stage as graduates, what does it mean to celebrate that Xavier prepares us to find ourselves far from complete?
To remain unfinished is not to remain stagnant. In my first-year theology class, Dr. (Martin) Madar defined mystery as an ever-expanding horizon; the more we understand the mystery, the more we are compelled to explore. Xavier’s call to remain unfinished compels us to ever-deepening horizons of hope pointing us toward the common good. Paradoxically, the more we reach our potential, the more we discover our infinite potential to grow. Xavier’s Jesuit tradition prepares us for this paradox. At Xavier, we build foundations in Jesuit values including magis, Latin for “more” or “deeper.” In discernment, magis invites us to ask, “Where is the more universal good?” This question compels us to be changed by and with each other. And changed we are, indeed.
We remain unfinished by looking backward and by looking forward. Looking backward, we celebrate how Xavier shapes us. We remember our first moments on campus, newspaper confetti in the thunderous Musketeer student section, homemade “Caf” cookies, deep conversations on the Xavier yard, professors who share not only what they know but who they are, the first time we said home and meant Xavier, and strangers-turned-friends with whom we celebrate today. Looking forward, we transcribe these memories into maps. Xavier’s mission equips us with more than degrees; as we set out to grow, we build upon Xavier’s foundations that guide us in seeking magis — that something deeper, for and with others.
Colleen Hanycz, PhD, Xavier University President
On the graduates’ wide array of talents and traits:
The makeup of the Class of 2023 represents incredible breadth. Some of you are gifted athletes. Some of you have fully embraced Xavier clubs and social experiences. Some of you have committed yourselves to changing the world and to advancing justice through service and solidarity. Some of you have earned a lifetime membership at Dana’s — well done. I understand that started very early this morning, but we won’t go there.
Some of you have achieved major accomplishments academically, and all of you have chosen leadership in its many forms. Some of you are Xavier legacies, the most recent in a long line of family members to study on Victory Parkway. In fact, I met a graduate this morning who is fifth-generation Xavier (student). Others of you carry the remarkable pride of your families as the first to ever complete a college degree.
The best part? All of you are Xavier. You have left your handprints all over this campus. You have inspired and challenged us in so many ways. You reflect the very highest elements of our Jesuit Catholic mission at Xavier, and we have relished watching you become the best possible version of yourselves. While you have surely been transformed by Xavier, be certain that Xavier is transformed because of you. Regardless of where your next voyage takes you, you are forever Musketeers.”
Neil Tilow (’74, ‘80 M.S.), Talbert House President and CEO
On the importance of forming strong teams, and of prioritizing mental health:
The impact of teams can be just incredible. I know that it has been for me … In my mind, relationships are king. While I know others say cash is king, I believe that managing a team of people and connecting on a personal level is much more important, because we all know that very few of us can be successful on our own.
Another critical issue for all of us today is our own mental health and that of our colleagues. Addressing mental health challenges in the workplace is essential for creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. The first thing you can do is lead by example by prioritizing your own mental health while promoting a culture of self-care. This will help reduce stigma and encourage others to do the same. You can also educate fellow employees about mental health, provide resources for those struggling and create a supportive work environment.
On his own Xavier experience and his hope for students earning their graduate degrees:
I was so fortunate to be able to use my networking, skill development and so much more that I learned at Xavier, and that has translated into an incredibly rewarding career for me. I only hope you can be as fortunate as I have been. My connection to Xavier is not just about the decades or degrees, or being a season ticket holder for my beloved Muskies right here in this building. It has been about the values and learning that unquestionably helped shape me into the person and leader that I have become, and hopefully, it’s not over yet.
In closing, I want to congratulate each of you for your outstanding achievement and encourage you to put this degree to work in being the best leaders you can be.