As UCLA students, each of you arrived on campus with your own unique talents, background and ambitions. At the same time, you also shared some important qualities with your fellow students – a thirst to excel, a knack for leadership and a commitment to making the world around you a better place.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job as chancellor is seeing all of those attributes meld together to form a community of scholars, friends and future leaders that is unlike any other. Now, as we prepare to celebrate commencement, I am delighted to be among the first to congratulate the Class of 2013.
To be sure, each of you is still uniquely “you.” But for the rest of your lives, you will share one important characteristic with your fellow graduates: You are Bruins.
During your time at UCLA, you have met – and often exceeded – lofty expectations, and not just through your outstanding academic work. Your growth as researchers, artists, athletes, volunteers, entrepreneurs, mentors and citizens has been truly impressive, and you have left an indelible mark on our campus.
You also have made lasting contributions to people’s lives throughout Los Angeles and the world. Serving others has long been a hallmark of UCLA students; it also is a defining attribute of our alumni. In whatever career you choose, and wherever life takes you, I encourage you to continue making a difference in your community.
In earning a UCLA degree, you have proven that you are capable of thriving in any competitive environment, even if it means juggling numerous responsibilities and overcoming serious obstacles. You have explored and, in many cases, created new areas of knowledge. You have learned from faculty who are the best in the world in their fields of study – experience that will prepare you well for the next chapter in your life. In collaborating with fellow students, you have learned from their insights and gained invaluable understanding from worldviews that are different from your own.
Your fellow graduates undoubtedly will join you in becoming leaders in your careers and communities. Just as importantly, many of them will remain close friends and trusted colleagues. Your shared experiences at UCLA have given you a special bond with one another, one that I hope will enrich your lives for many years.
I urge you not only to cultivate those connections with your classmates, but also to stay engaged with our campus and future Bruins who one day will benefit from your experience. Join us in ensuring that they enjoy the same opportunities that you have had as UCLA students. I also hope that you will look to UCLA as a resource. As a Bruin for life, you can take advantage of the many opportunities that our campus offers to build personal relationships, expand professional networks and further intellectual pursuits. You always have a home at UCLA.
Most of all, sincere congratulations on earning your UCLA degree and conquering each of the challenges along the way to this proud moment. Take time to celebrate your accomplishment with your fellow graduates, friends and family. May this be the beginning of so much more for you and the UCLA Class of 2013.
Block is the chancellor of UCLA.