Commencement Address
School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation
Friday, May 20, 2011, 12 p.m.

To Dean Cronrath ... to distinguished faculty, trustees and staff ... to alumni ... to loving parents and grandparents and family and friends ... and above all to the Class of 2011: Congratulations! You made it! You found a parking space!
I am both humbled and honored to have been asked to share this wonderful occasion with you. In my experience, this will be just one of many special occasions in your lives: Getting that first real job will be a special occasion; meeting that very special person; celebrating the birth of your first child; or your first grandchild; they will all be special occasions.
Savor each special occasion as if they were, well special. Live in each moment. Bathe yourself in them. Let them wash over, around and through you.
Henry David Thoreau once wrote, "The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them." I am not sure I have found the lives of most people to be that grim and unrelenting. But I have found that some people lose the ability to appreciate the gift of moments like these. Whatever you aspire to do, never, ever lose that ability to sing. I implore you; Do not let your songs go unsung!  Read More