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On behalf of the College
of Agriculture and life sciences,


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I'm pleased to welcome everyone
to the 2020 Spring Commencement.


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It's indeed a great honor
for me to be with you,


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even if it has to be virtually


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so that I can celebrate
with the college graduates,


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their families,
and friends and the faculty.


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Today, over 700 students
are graduating from the college.


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This is truly a time of celebration,


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reflection,


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and aspiration for the future


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and I thank those who have made


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this day possible
for these graduates.


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This includes the parents,
the family members


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and the friends who supported
and encouraged the graduates


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through their college years,


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especially during these recent months
of the COVID-19 pandemic.


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The faculty, including professors,
and instructors, and advisors,


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and the staff
who challenged and guided them


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through what's become
a very challenging time.


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Last but not least,


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those who contributed
to scholarships and programs


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who made
their college education possible.


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Without all of you,


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our graduates would not have reached


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this important
milestone in their lives.


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The unprecedented pandemic continues
to impact all of us in many ways,


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but I continue to be amazed at


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how the students have responded
to such a crisis.


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Their resiliency
is really impressive


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and their actions
have been a testament


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to the true spirit
of the university's motto,


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Ut Prosim-That I May Serve.


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Graduates, we're very proud of you
for your achievements,


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and as new alumni of Virginia Tech,


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you're also graduates
of a major land grant university,


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which has provided many of you
with this experiential learning


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that prepares you
to help solve real-world problems


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and to help communities thrive.


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Whether it's technical,


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critical thinking
or leadership skills


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you've refined in order to lead
successful careers and lives


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or the entrepreneurial skills


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that will allow you to create
new jobs for the future graduates.


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All of you have potential
the lead changes that are necessary


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for improving
the well-being of society


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and exemplifying Ut Prosim.


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You have each been influenced
by this university


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and you benefited by being part


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of Virginia Tech's
land grant culture.


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You have much to offer society,
so use your talents


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to give back to those
who have helped you along the way


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and look for ways to help others
in your profession


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and in your community.


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We in the college
and university look forward


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to continuing our relationship
with you as alumni.


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We congratulate you
on your commencement


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and wish you success
in the years ahead.


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Congratulations.