The Rustorian

Issue date: 2/28/09 Section: News

One hundred and twenty-four seniors received diplomas during the 143rd commencement activities.

Commencement speaker Dr. Joe A. Lee (middle) receives the 35th Tower of Leadership Award from President David L. Beckley (left) and Vice President for Assessment, Dr. Paul Lampley, after the address to Rust graduates.

"Repay the debt to Rust College and rise to higher levels of discipline, honesty, and hard work," said Dr. Joe A. Lee, the immediate past president of Alabama State University and former president of Tougaloo College, in a commencement address to Rust graduates, April 26.

One hundred and twenty-four seniors received diplomas during the 143rd commencement activities. The humanities division presented 27 candidates; social science division accounted for 21; 13 from business; 47 from science; and 16 candidates from the education division. There were 10 summa cum laude, 16 magna cum laude, and 15 cum laude honorees.

"Don't just get a degree from Rust because we are not just graduating students, but take control of your destiny and become entrepreneurs. We send you off to another chapter in your life. Now it is time for the real trials," Lee said. He cautioned the graduates to realize life is not a dress rehearsal. "It is a journey; learn to love that journey, not the destination."

Lee advised the graduates to never seek or receive counsel from unproductive people. "Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution. Those who have never succeeded will always tell you how to do it- never follow anyone who is not going anywhere."

Lee told the graduates to focus on important things in life like family and true friendships, not facades and shallow things that leave humans empty and unfulfilled. He adapted quotes from an unknown author and gave the graduates tips on how to have true success on their journey and build integrity.

"Be careful of your thoughts, thoughts become words. Be real careful of your words, because your words become your actions. Be really careful of your actions, because your actions become habits. Be extra careful of your habits because your habits become your destiny." Lee said all it takes is just one slip-up or mistake on the journey to ruin their destiny, and wants them to be cautious on such a journey.

President David L. Beckley, on behalf of the college, presented Lee with the 35th Tower of Leadership Award, for his contributions to higher education and service to his community.

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