Keep strong ties to UCLA

This is one of my favorite times of the year. Across campus, celebration fills the air, the pride of achievement is palpable, and I have the pleasure of unabashedly leading the cheers.

Congratulations to the Class of 2011!

A college degree is a major milestone in your lives and an accomplishment worth savoring. It’s no small task, particularly given the difficult economic circumstances of the last several years, to have successfully completed your studies, and I commend you on your hard work and dedication.

By committing yourselves to a world-class education from UCLA, you can be confident that you have positioned yourselves for success, no matter your future endeavors. As our world grows increasingly interconnected, your exposure to multiple fields of study and UCLA’s emphasis on how they relate to each other will serve you well.

Equally important, however, is your exposure to those who see and experience things through a prism different from your own. During your time at UCLA, you have been immersed in an amazingly diverse group of students from different cultures and with different world views, from California and around the world. Your experiences and the connections you have built are also critical foundations of your future.

I remain exceptionally impressed by the capacity of UCLA students to enrich their communities through research projects, civic involvement and volunteer work. Your creativity and commitment are an inspiration, and both the campus and the broader community are richer for your involvement. I encourage you to continue applying your considerable talents to helping others after you leave UCLA.

Some of you will pursue advanced degrees. Some will enter the work force right away. Others will travel or volunteer while pondering the next move.

Whatever you do, my hope is that you will maintain strong ties to UCLA. By remaining engaged, you will help us to help future generations of students. You will help ensure that others have the same opportunities you had. You will help UCLA remain vibrant. And you will help yourself.

Cultivate connections with your fellow alumni; you never know where they may lead. And remember, you are always welcome back.

This truly is a special time of year, rivaled only by the unbridled hope and optimism of fall, when we welcome new freshmen to campus. My message to you is the same as it is to them: We are all part of the Bruin family. Let’s make each other proud.

Once again, congratulations to the Class of 2011.