Years of Service Recognition Reception
March 09, 2023
- Thank you…
- I’m so pleased to be here to honor the faculty and staff whose commitment to Oakland University may be marked in years, but whose contributions cannot be measured in mere numbers…
- Ten, twenty, thirty…forty years of service…
- Service…
- Service…I’m so pleased that we refer to our time at Oakland as “service.”
- Our time together is truly about service…
- It’s about serving our students…How we support them as we help them form the foundation of learning that will define their lives.
- It’s about serving our communities…
- As an institution of higher learning, we must maintain a vital engagement so we can work side by side with our communities to elevate the quality and impact of education, healthcare and economic opportunities…
- And of course…service means service to each other….
- …working together to build a campus community based on respect, compassion, inclusivity, and collaboration.
- Your service demonstrates the type of dedication and sense of purpose that distinguishes you as a leader….
- Some of you may lead by standing up….
- Some may lead quietly…
- But each of you is a leader in your own way for your longevity is a reflection of your commitment.
- There are many reasons for longevity…
- …and there is much wisdom that is derived from longevity.
- Longevity may depend on your health… your frame of mind and ability to adapt, put things into perspective…
- …and I believe, a desire to dream…
- Our dream…our aspiration… is for our university to be a force in broadening minds and opening hearts to the possibilities of the human spirit.
- On behalf of Oakland University, please know how much we appreciate you, and all that you’ve done and continue to do to serve our students, our communities and our campus.
- You make up the backbone of our university, whether that is in the classroom, conducting research or working to make sure the administration of the university is as efficient and effective as it can be.
- When you are measuring commitment to Oakland University in decades, then, believe me, you are not only celebrating a career, you are honoring your life’s purpose.
- Congratulations…. and thank you.