00:00:07,240 --> 00:00:09,809 Members of the Class of 2020, 00:00:09,876 --> 00:00:12,512 alumni, family, and friends. 00:00:12,979 --> 00:00:16,850 On behalf of the president of Virginia Tech student affairs, 00:00:16,850 --> 00:00:18,752 the Pamplin College of Business, 00:00:18,752 --> 00:00:21,388 and the College of Liberal Arts and human sciences, 00:00:21,488 --> 00:00:25,125 along with the combined staffs of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets 00:00:25,225 --> 00:00:28,094 and the Virginia Tech ROTC programs, 00:00:28,261 --> 00:00:31,131 I bring you greetings and congratulations. 00:00:31,798 --> 00:00:34,868 This is obviously not how we thought we would be celebrating 00:00:34,868 --> 00:00:36,536 your last year in the Corps, 00:00:36,836 --> 00:00:40,140 but we nonetheless want to acknowledge and celebrate 00:00:40,140 --> 00:00:43,410 the beginning of an exciting next chapter in your lives. 00:00:44,010 --> 00:00:46,546 You have much to be proud of as a class 00:00:46,679 --> 00:00:49,249 and I hope that you will find some quiet time 00:00:49,249 --> 00:00:51,651 to reflect on all that you have accomplished 00:00:51,985 --> 00:00:55,255 and how you have grown and matured as leaders of character. 00:00:56,156 --> 00:01:00,193 This year, we are graduating 226 cadets from the Corps, 00:01:00,493 --> 00:01:04,764 joining 49 who have completed their university graduation requirements 00:01:05,031 --> 00:01:08,268 and who are among the 162 commissioning. 00:01:08,968 --> 00:01:11,738 We also are proud of the 45 of our graduates 00:01:11,738 --> 00:01:15,175 who are heading towards careers in the government and business communities. 00:01:15,875 --> 00:01:17,877 It is vital to acknowledge that 00:01:17,877 --> 00:01:20,847 your leadership will be tested in ways that none of us 00:01:20,847 --> 00:01:22,849 could have imagined just a few months ago. 00:01:23,850 --> 00:01:26,219 What this final year has demonstrated, 00:01:26,219 --> 00:01:27,687 if nothing else, 00:01:27,687 --> 00:01:29,689 is that you have the grit, 00:01:29,689 --> 00:01:33,993 the determination, the skills, and the talent to deal with 00:01:33,993 --> 00:01:36,563 whatever challenges come your way in the future. 00:01:37,197 --> 00:01:39,065 In short, you are ready. 00:01:39,999 --> 00:01:43,536 You're ready because you learn from the first day of new cadet week 00:01:43,536 --> 00:01:46,940 that you had chosen the proverbial path less traveled 00:01:47,307 --> 00:01:48,708 and you persisted. 00:01:49,109 --> 00:01:51,111 You are ready because each day, 00:01:51,111 --> 00:01:55,081 you began with a commitment to be better than you were the day before. 00:01:56,182 --> 00:01:59,385 You are ready because you have felt the exhilaration 00:01:59,385 --> 00:02:04,324 and pride that comes from seeing things and places and people 00:02:04,424 --> 00:02:06,426 better for you having been there. 00:02:07,393 --> 00:02:11,164 You are ready because amidst all that is happening in our world today, 00:02:11,631 --> 00:02:15,702 you know that it is only through honorable ethical leadership 00:02:16,035 --> 00:02:17,537 that we will prevail 00:02:17,804 --> 00:02:20,240 and you want to be that kind of leader. 00:02:20,607 --> 00:02:23,009 You have proven your resilience. 00:02:23,409 --> 00:02:25,078 You have grit. 00:02:26,546 --> 00:02:28,348 A question that every leader, 00:02:28,348 --> 00:02:32,585 every one of you will ask yourself with humility throughout your careers is, 00:02:33,086 --> 00:02:38,291 "Am I worthy of the trust and confidence of those that will call you their leader?" 00:02:39,058 --> 00:02:40,326 I believe-- 00:02:40,627 --> 00:02:43,630 Actually, I know that the answer is yes. 00:02:43,963 --> 00:02:46,466 Let me also take this opportunity to thank 00:02:46,599 --> 00:02:49,836 all the family and friends who have supported, cheered, 00:02:49,836 --> 00:02:53,806 and who are so proud of who you are and what you're about to do. 00:02:54,407 --> 00:02:56,276 They were part of this journey as well. 00:02:58,178 --> 00:03:02,182 On behalf of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and Highty-Tighty's alumni, 00:03:02,549 --> 00:03:03,950 I want to say welcome. 00:03:04,384 --> 00:03:07,620 You become the newest members to join an organization 00:03:07,620 --> 00:03:10,590 that is dedicated to always keep the line unbroken. 00:03:11,057 --> 00:03:14,360 Reinforcing the bonds that bring you back to campus, 00:03:14,561 --> 00:03:18,464 back to share your experiences with classes following in your footsteps 00:03:18,831 --> 00:03:23,236 and, yes, the opportunity to gather here and elsewhere once again 00:03:23,503 --> 00:03:26,172 to share memories some made here 00:03:26,406 --> 00:03:28,241 and others yet to come. 00:03:29,576 --> 00:03:31,144 It is now obvious. 00:03:31,144 --> 00:03:33,146 Global ethical leaders, 00:03:33,580 --> 00:03:36,282 you are needed now more than ever. 00:03:36,816 --> 00:03:38,451 As you depart, 00:03:38,618 --> 00:03:43,256 recall the lesson that you have learned this last an amazing year. 00:03:43,890 --> 00:03:47,093 Be ready to lead from wherever you are. 00:03:48,094 --> 00:03:49,629 Congratulations.