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Edison Commencement
Speaker Emphasizes Attitude, Support for Success
Edison Community College commencement keynote speaker Valorie R.
Welbaum is well aware of the hard work and sacrifice it takes to get an
education, as well as the attitude and spirit it takes to turn that
experience into success. It was her experience, and the advice given to
her from friends, family and mentors over the years that she wanted to
share with the 37th graduation class at Edison Friday night.
“What I hope you will take from what I have to say this evening is how
much your life is able to affect everyone around you and to encourage
each of you to keep reaching for your goals,” she said. “Based on the
few years it took me to complete my education, and while being in the
work force, some of the greatest advice I have been given is still
actively making a difference in my life.”
More than 530 graduates earned a total of 557 degrees or certificates
at the ceremony held in the Edison Piqua campus gymnasium. There were
13 degrees awarded to high school seniors, enrolled through the
Post-Secondary Enrollment Option program (PSEOP), a figure that was
especially important to the evening’s keynote speaker, who was also a
PSEOP student along with her four sisters.
Welbaum spoke to the graduates on the topic of attitude, and how, even
in difficult times, a positive outlook can be the strongest factor in
determining success.
“Although media and some people say that it is a difficult time for
jobs, don’t let these comments or fears detour you from continuing your
forward progress. There will be lots of opportunities out there for
there is a great deal of change happening in the work force,” Welbaum
stated. “You can be on the leading edge of some of this change by just
continuing to learn, and even more importantly, having a positive
attitude. From what I have seen, the main way to motivate a team or
group in any situation or job is through your attitude.”
Addressing the crowd of more than 2,500, Edison’s new President, Dr.
Cristobal Valdez, spoke of the powerful effect and influence that
community colleges, especially one with a stellar reputation like
Edison, can have on a student. This point was very true with tonight’s
attendees, considering that approximately two-thirds of the graduates
from the class of 2011 are first-generation college graduates.
Welbaum touched on the importance of family support and mentoring in
the lives of today’s college students.
“Make sure along the way to find a mentor or two in LIFE, someone you
can come to for advice.” Welbaum said. “I have been very blessed with a
husband and family that never stops believing in me.”
The evening’s ceremonies marked some historic firsts in the college’s
history, beginning with the first commencement overseen by Valdez,
Edison’s fourth president, who took over after the retirement of Dr.
Kenneth Yowell, who left in April after 23 years at the college’s helm.
Additionally, this was the first class to graduate from Edison’s newly
accredited physical therapy assistant program, which is now accredited
by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. This
was also the first year that graduates from a joint project with Hydro
Aluminum in Sidney have completed their degree. The program sent Edison
faculty and curriculum to the Sidney plant to conduct courses on-site
for employees.
Amid the evening’s historic firsts, Welbaum concluded her speech on a
note of positivity for the graduating class of 2011.
“Be excited and pat yourself on the back for you have now completed a
great goal and milestone in life,” said Welbaum. “Don’t stop now,
‘Carpe Diem’ one day at a time. Congratulations Class 2011, you are now
well on your way for a new season of change.”
In a follow-up message, Edison’s new President, Dr. Cristobal 'Cris'
Valdez, had his own comments for faculty and staff:
To all of you who attended the commencement ceremony this evening,
thank you for participating. It truly was a memorable evening for
our graduates and their guests and an enchanting inaugural event for
me. I was delighted to share it with you.
For those of you unable to attend, we certainly hope you can do so in
the future. It is a momentous occasion and worthy of our time.
To all;
Thank you for your commitment to our students and our college.
Without your expertise, support, and dedication this college would not
offer the unique learning opportunity that our students are
afforded. And, we are all aware without our students we would not
exist.
Sincerely,
Cris
Cristobal 'Cris' Valdez, Ed.D.
President
Edison Community College
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