Occasionally someone will ask for a copy of a sermon. Since many times they are works in progress, I am reluctant to give them out - it would be hard to follow with all the pen and ink changes and arrows pointing to something only I understand. So instead, I thought I would share with you the commencement address I presented at my daughter Dawn’s graduation. This was a once in a lifetime experience and a labor of love. Comments welcome.

Commencement Address

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
School of Nursing
May 2006

As I began preparing this address, instead of going straight to the library to begin my research into the genre of literature known as the commencement address, I found myself musing over the process of how it came about that I was selected to be your commencement speaker. Process, now there is a term, I suspect, that has become embedded in your consciousness over the course of your studies here at the University of North Carolina School of Nursing. And when this particular process was first mentioned to me by “Shy,” a member of the speaker’s committee, I was intrigued by how my name emerged. Was it because I had listened to your stories of struggle with instructors, administration, or just what is the nurse’s role? Reflecting with you that when you deal with human beings you just can’t make these things up. I had hoped to hear it was because Oprah Winfrey turned you down or Maya Angelo or the current president of the ANA was not available? Or your beloved nursing instructor couldn’t make it because she was off doing missionary work in El Salvador? No, I got the sense that it was more of an organic decision. You decided to find someone who had been in the trenches and in many ways still is. So a question bubbled up in their conversation, “I wonder if Dawn’s mom would be our speaker? She’s done some interesting things in her nursing career.” So here I am. I hope this is okay.

Dean Cronnenwett, distinguished faculty, alumni, metamorphosing degree candidates and all dearly beloveds: I am grateful to be with you this sweet Carolina afternoon and to the class of 2006 in the celebration of completion and commencement. It is different for me of course; I drove in yesterday and will drive back home tomorrow, while you are sitting here remembering your first look at this place, your first questions, your first incredulous stroll across the campus thinking, “I am really here! I’m in! They are really going to let me do this!”

As much as you might have worried that someone would spot you as an imposter, and tell you to turn in your newly purchased scrubs and stethoscope, pack it up and leave, no one ever did. You came to realize that your hand washing skills are no worse or better than anyone else. They are to be perfect. Your care plans are adequate. You realize that your ability to hone your hypothesis only leads you to more variables that need to be accounted for and more questions to be answered. Course by course, clinical hour by clinical hour, paper by paper, abstracts, protocols, statistical analysis - you dug into the mountain of degree requirements. Not to mention the requirements of your families and friends, your clinical instructors, your research committees, your employers and the State Board of Nursing - you found friends, faculty, and mentors willing to pitch in. Now the mountain (or hill) is behind you and the view is so clear that it is alarming. Whether you know where you are going or not, you have covered a lot of territory to be sitting here this afternoon.

Shall I say congratulations or thanks be to God? I say both for your presence here today is evidence of your hard work, courage, and great grace.

So here we are today. You have received a fine education to be practitioners of nursing whether it be at the entry level or master’s or doctoral level. You all have such fine gifts to offer. Now we come to the time in the address where words of encouragement are to be offered. My task is to leave you with words of wisdom as you begin the next leg of your journey.

During my library search, I found that this genre of literature called commencement addresses is steeped in boredom. I barely remember my own commencement address. Despairing, I came across a commencement address given by Winston Churchill shortly after the close of World War Two. As the story goes, Mr. Churchill had been asked to be the commencement speaker at Oxford University. He was seated on the platform, introduced, and then he rose and went to the podium. His first words were, “Never give up.” He turned and walked back to his seat. There was a pause. Mr. Churchill rose and returned to the podium to say, “Never give up.” He turned and returned to his seat. A pause, silence, and then he rose for the third time and returned to the podium to say, “Never give up.” I suspect that that class of graduates never forgot their commencement address. And now to our purposes, let’s use Mr. Churchill’s words as touchstones and flesh things out.

Never give up on learning. That seems obvious as we sit here in the shade of one of the most prestigious universities on the East Coast. Some of you will be starting new jobs, there will be orientations, in-services, and continuing education. There is always something new to discover, learn, and use to the betterment of those we serve. Some of you will be teachers - keep your class notes fresh. Some of you have written or are writing the ‘cutting edge’ nursing research. Remember those variables are attached to human beings and they become our teachers. Keep current. Engage in a lifetime of learning. Demand this. There is no compromising on this one.

Never give up on striving for balance in your lives. St. Benedict, a wise monk from the sixth century, spoke both prophetically and practically about finding balance between work, rest, and study. We are practitioners of health and wholeness. It has been said, “Physicians heal thy self.” I say, “Nurses care for yourselves.” Seek and strive for this blame Benedict speaks.

Never give up on caring for what is right. Your voice may be the only one that is heard over the voice of bottom line, cost containment issues, and availability. Don’t let the demons of pessimism, despair, and burn out consume you. And never give up on the ones we serve.

The Celtics of old had this grounding tradition as they gathered around the campfire before or after a battle. Their prayers were interactive, courageous, direct, and fierce. Across the glow of the flames one would stand and point to another saying, “May God this day be your strong protector.” Another saying, “May God this day protect you against fire and drowning.” And I say, “May God this day guide you, protect you, defend you. May it be so.”

Thank you.