As I pondered what to write in this piece for The Chart, I tried to narrow down the topics to the most vital and crucially important. Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that having a friendly but frank discussion with students was the most burning topic on my mind. So, here you go.

Students, you are setting out on an adventure to discover possibilities for your life that you would have found impossible to imagine earlier. You are taking the first steps down a path of education, self-improvement, and lifelong learning that will forever change your lives. The opportunities ahead of you are virtually limitless, so be sure to aim high.

John Dewey, the famous philosopher, psychologist, and educator once said, “To find out what one is fitted to do, and to secure an opportunity to do it, is the key to happiness.” At Missouri Southern, we excel in providing opportunities for exploration, adventure, and discovery to help you identify what you are truly “fitted to do.” As a graduate of Missouri Southern State University a myriad of opportunities will unfold for you.  And, as Mr. Dewey suggests, happiness is sure to follow.

However, a disturbingly high number of students enrolling at MSSU fail to graduate. It’s a broad and complicated topic, but the fact remains… we want you to finish what you start because that will be the key to your ultimate success. I realize many obstacles will arise during the course of your studies, but you must remain distinctly focused and work steadily toward the goal of graduation. Participation is no substitute for graduation.

When I graduated from Missouri Southern nearly 40 years ago, having the opportunity to one day return to this great university in a senior administrative capacity was not something I ever imagined or believed possible. And frankly, nothing makes me happier than to be an active part of this great Lion family! But this opportunity, and many others during my earlier working career, only became possible because I hung in there, kept my priorities straight and eventually graduated.

So, my fundamental message to each of you is this: 1) Work hard, 2) Play by the rules, and 3) Stick with it! As overly simple as this advice sounds, it really can be the key to your future success and happiness. It will ultimately lead you to graduation – finding what you are fitted to do and having opportunities to do it.