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Hello,


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I'm Robert Sumichrast,


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Dean of Virginia Tech's
business school,


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the Pamplin College of Business.


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It is my distinct pleasure


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to welcome all of you
to this celebration.


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Graduates,


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I know you miss
the experiences you expected


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over the past several weeks,


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but you persevered.


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You finished your projects,


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completed your exams
and passed your classes.


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I'm proud


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of the tenacity and adaptability
you show in completing your degrees.


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I'm sure your family and friends
and faculty are as well.


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There'll come a time
when we can be back together,


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physically together.


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There will come a time


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to come to Blacksburg
or to Falls Church,


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where you can be with your friends,


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your classmates and your faculty.


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In the meantime,


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we're here for you virtually.


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Graduates,


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you studied under some
of the top educators in the country.


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Your programs of study
have helped you develop


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the perspective,
the skills and the confidence


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to contribute
as effective and ethical leaders.


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The business community knows
that Pamplin graduates


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bring a relevant education
and the right attitude,


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and as Hokies,
you embrace the motto, Ut Prosim.


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Fewer businesses are hiring today,


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yet many of you
accept job offers,


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so congratulations.


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Businesses
are under extreme pressure,


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while we're seeing
such slow activity in the economy.


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If you're still looking for a job,
contact Pamplin Career Services,


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we're here to help.


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The Hokie Nation
can help you build connections.


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We're planning
virtual networking events for alumni,


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including some that are targeted
at our recent graduates.


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I hope you'll participate
in some of them


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and stay connected
to your alma mater.


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Graduates, I wish you every success.


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Congratulations,


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and say it with me one more time,


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"Let's go Hokies."