Remarks--Christine Handy

Christine C. Handy, Ed.D. '08
GW Commencement on the National Mall
Washington, DC
May 18, 2008

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Greetings President Knapp, Mr. Bond, Deans, Faculty and staff,

honored guests, fellow graduates, families and friends. It is my honor to represent the 2008 graduating class of The George Washington University. Today, we salute the George Washington University faculty and our families for their guidance, support, and the opportunities they gave us to enhance two desirable characteristics, civility and integrity.

As I thought about commencement and what I would share with you, my 284-page dissertation came to mind. When it was submitted and returned, I asked, “What’s wrong?” I was notified that The Table of Contents, which tells us what is inside, had something missing and it had to be corrected. 

As we reflect on civility and integrity, let us think about our

personal Table of Contents. What is inside of us?  What corrections do we need to make?

Is civility there with its many meanings, like courtesy and politeness?  What about the moral responsibilities we have to one another? A wise man once said, “Love thy neighbor as yourself.” Our neighbor extends beyond next door, or the blocks where we live, it extends to our cities, to our states, to this wonderful country, the United States of America, and to the world in which we live.

Civility includes giving back, lending a hand, lifting up, and providing leadership to the needs of our society. Check your Table of Contents, if civility is missing, please make the correction.

Integrity is synonymous with decency, honesty, and having a strong commitment to sound principles. When we have integrity, we have pride; we feel good and have peace of mind. We can be trusted, we have good relationships, and people just like being around those of us with integrity.

Check your Table of Contents, if integrity is missing, please make the correction.

As you leave here today, a new graduate of The George Washington University, be sure to double check your Table of Contents, what is inside of you? Civility and Integrity will help you to make a profound change in the world.

So, go forth today, make a difference!  Congratulations Class of 2008! Thank you!