 "Thank you, Dr. Hatfield , for such a generous introduction and thanks to all of you for your kind and warm reception. Before I begin, please join me in applauding these dedicated students in caps and gowns sitting here thinking, “Whew, it’s finally over!” Well, guess what, graduates…it’s not over! This is just another milestone in your life’s journey. Believe me, I know…I sat in your place in 1977, and I am standing here today to tell you…this is just the beginning!
There is a quote, No man is an island. I believe this to be very true. There is no way I could have acquired the honor bestowed upon me today by Washington State Community College without the positive influence of other people, the opportunities that have been afforded me, the educational sources that were available, and the constant support and encouragement of my husband and family.
In 1974, I was working in the Marketing Department, my 17th year with the Marietta Division of BF Goodrich. I was doing just fine with my diploma from Marietta High School, until one day the word came from Akron Headquarters that in order for me to keep my present position I had to have a college degree. Now, being a single mom, there was no way I could quit my job to attend a four-year college. But, thanks to the foresight of interested people in this community, Washington Technical College had been established and accredited in Marietta offering evening classes to individuals in my situation. I enrolled in September of 1974, successfully completed my studies, and in March of 1977, I graduated with a Degree of Associate of Applied Business in General Business Management Technology. That was my milestone. Now, three decades later, I can attribute a lot of what I have accomplished since then to those years of education.
In 1979, BF Goodrich Company moved its Marketing Department to Akron. Fellow marketing person Gary Braddock and I chose instead to accept positions at Magnetic Specialty, Inc., in Marietta. There, as fate would have it, we met and later partnered with Glen Hale to form Flexmag Industries, Inc. We started in 1981 on the West Side of Marietta in an antique store, expanded to the present facilities in the Industrial Park, and sold the business in 1989. I’m happy to say, Flexmag has further expanded worldwide while maintaining the same location, continuing to provide jobs for approximately 100 employees in the community. If there was one person who I was truly grateful for getting me through those financial difficulties of business, it’s was our accountant, Bob Ferguson. He held my hand through three different accounting systems during our growing periods. That, in itself, was quite an education!
For many of you, the business world will be a totally new venture. You will have many decisions to make and problems to solve. Meet these challenges with self-confidence. Believe in yourself…tell yourself, “I can do anything if I have to, and I can do it well.” Visualize yourself as the success you want to be. Learn as much as you can about what you intend to do. Learning does not stop here, today…you’ll learn something new everyday. As your future unfolds, you will be amazed to discover the many hidden abilities you really have.
I would like to leave you with this one thought. The bumblebee really shouldn’t be able to fly…its body is too heavy for its wings. But, the bumblebee doesn’t know this…and it flies very well. When you came here, you didn’t know your abilities. But through the knowledge you’ve gained and your own self-confidence, you, too, will fly…very well.
I congratulate all of you graduates on your accomplishment today. Make the most of what you have learned and, please… remember to share…your abilities, your resources, your knowledge, whatever you can… give some of it back to your community. John Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, spoke these words to his fellow colonists shortly before they set foot on land. We must delight in each other, make other’s conditions our own, rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer together, always having before our eyes our community as members of the same body. Maya Angelou, best-selling author and inspirational speaker, had said, I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. Reach out, graduates… weave yourselves into the fabric of your community. Commit as much time as you can to serving others. You never know…maybe you’ll help someone off of their island.
Thank you."
Louise Eagleson Holmes
Commencement Address
Washington State Community College
June 13, 2008 |
"I'm please to inform you the Robert Alig, 2007 WSCC Auto/Diesel graduate, has moved from a technician position on the shop floor to a service writer position in the service dept. office. Robert has been with us for 2 1/2 years working on the shop floor learning, and repairing trucks. He has been a great employee for us, quick to learn, eager to get into everything, and finding that nothing is too difficult. His 'I can do it' attitude is refreshing, and is what will bring him great success in the industry as he grows with Fyda Freightliner Inc.