PUSH Excel Scholarship Gala

June 29,2009

Thank you. This is a humbling experience to be honored by one of the great organizations in the nation, PUSH Excel. I want to thank Greg Mathis, Bonita Carr, Reverend Jenkins, Reverend Jackson, and everyone involved in putting on this conference.

Of course, I’ve known of Reverend Jackson for many years. He has occupied a front-row seat at this nation’s most historic events. And through it all, decade after decade, Reverend Jackson has worked with single-mindedness, a mission whose purpose is to make life better.

Jesse, you inspire us with your tireless advocacy for education, your steady voice for non violence on our troubled streets, and your mentoring programs. And, the scholarships awarded here tonight will pay dividends for years to come as we see this nation’s next generation of leaders emerge to create a more just and equal nation. Thank you.

I am humbled to be honored, but I accept this honor on behalf of the many people who helped make Illinois Promise a reality. And, most of all, I accept the honor on behalf of the students.

Access to educational opportunities is my passion as chancellor of one of the finest public research universities in the world. I also believe that, “Education will not be adequate until it more fully reflects the face of society.” (From a 1955 Harvard University report titled, “General Education in a Free Society.")

We are not there yet but we get closer with each passing year. You can see it on the Illinois campus: The face of higher education is changing, and it is changing for the better.

A month ago we awarded our very first class of Illinois Promise scholars their diplomas. Some of these graduates are here tonight as are some of our other Illinois Promise scholars. I hope you meet them.

I want to share with you what I told that first graduating class:
“When you walk across the Assembly Hall stage to receive your diploma I want you to remember that moment. Soak it all in. Make it a permanent snapshot in your life.

“Then pay it forward. Offer hope. From now on you will be the role model. Take the belief and faith bestowed on you and place it on someone you know. Someone who needs a mentor. Someone who needs a kind word of encouragement. Someone who the odds do not favor. Someone who the rest of the country has given up on.

“Do not turn away from this obligation. For this is the true measure of a human being. This is the real work that awaits you. What you give back. What you give away. Don’t think of it as charity. Think of it as your calling. Think of it as another challenge thrown your way. Someone once said, ‘No man knows of what stuff he is made until prosperity and ease try him.’

“Class of 2009, you inspired us when we met you, you inspire us today, and I know you will inspire us in the future.”

Again, thank you for this honor and thank you for all you do in making this world a better place.