Index of University Press Releases

May 8, 2006

Wesleyan graduates told to run with their opportunities
By ROSS DOLAN, The Daily Republic

With blasts from air horns and shouts of support ringing through the historic auditorium, 175 Dakota Wesleyan students crossed the stage of the Corn Palace Saturday and accepted their diplomas.

James Gritzner

Keynote speaker James Gritzner, a 1969 DWU alumnus and U.S. district judge for the Southern District of Iowa, told the large audience he always feels at home when he returns to DWU. Gritzner made light of the dubious popularity of judges and attorneys and said he felt fortunate to be able to speak anywhere. He noted that automotive executive Lee Iacocca once said, “What he most loves about Japan is that they have as many lawyers as we have sumo wrestlers.”

Noting the transitory nature of graduation addresses he forgave graduates, in advance, for someday forgetting his speech. He also praised Dwight Opperman for his personal and financial generosity that aided many in the law profession, including himself.

Opperman was given an honorary Doctor of Human Letters degree by DWU President Bob Duffett Saturday in recognition of his service to the college and the legal profession. Speaking of Opperman, Gritzner said, “He has been a great friend to every man or woman who has ever donned a black robe.”

“No one gets this far alone,” Gritzner said, and told of several DWU professors who mentored him during his college years. He saluted the late Bill Bigger, his music professor and vocal coach, and professor of theater and speech Mary Wing. In addition to teaching their charges, the professors provided students with a keen moral compass, Gritzner said.
He expressed confidence that the graduates of 2006 were equally well prepared by their instructors. “I don’t know where you’re going; I just know you have a wonderful start,” he said.

The importance of acknowledging the help of others was a major theme in Gritzner’s address. Paraphrasing Isaac Newton, who said he stood “on the shoulders of giants,” Gritzner said that everyone stands on someone’s shoulders. “For each of you, there will be a different set of shoulders,” he said. “… People who have contributed to your personal education and spiritual development. They deserve your continued appreciation.”

In the main part of his address Gritzner told graduates they need to be in a position to win.
While some doors open by luck, he said, “we need to be in a position to grasp and run with the opportunities that are presented.”

Gritzner offered five “key” concepts to be in that position:

1. Engage in entrenpreurship. Not just one that is commercial, but also a social entrepreneurship to benefit society, and bureaucratic entrepreneurship to create efficient government. “We desperately need your new ideas,” said Gritzner.
2. Promote civility. Find ways to quiet the noise and return to a more civil community. Develop personal relationships, avoid confrontation and take advantage of the benefits of collaboration.
3. Care about quality. “Care about quality in everything you do, every step, every day,” he said.
4. Have courage. Gritzner saluted the courage of his parents and other members of the “Greatest Generation,” today’s military personnel and the nation’s pioneers. “Americans are an essentially courageous people,” he said. “There are many tests ahead and courage will be required. Take heart in knowing you are prepared.”
5. Expect the best. He recalled the example of Wing, his former teacher who demanded excellence and taught students to expect the same from themselves. Gritzner quoted the German poet and philosopher Goethe, who said, “Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being.” Gritzner added, “It also means to treat others in a way that shows you expect them to behave with civility, to accept personal responsibility, to do their best work and to make a contribution.”

Following the conferral of degrees, senior class president Ashley Schoenfelder, who was also named Miss Wesleyan, congratulated fellow graduates and thanked the college staff.
“ We’ll never forget all you have done for us,” she said.

She said, “Never give up on your dreams; nothing is impossible.”

Graduation meant new opportunities for students like Marla Klockman, 43, of Bridgewater, a graduate of the DWU School of Nursing. She returned to college after having a family and plans to work in Sioux Falls. Klockman helped her father, Zenith Hansen, 85, also of Bridgewater, from his seat in the stands after the ceremony and said he was partly her inspiration to take up nursing. “I did my practicum at the Veteran’s Hospital in Sioux Falls,” she said.

Klockman’s mother, Arlene Hansen, said with pride, “We’re so proud of her. She is such a caring person. She will make a wonderful nurse.”