By Lisa Marsh Ryerson President of Wells College

It is wonderful to be here with the Jamestown High School Class of 1999 and your families, friends, faculty, and special guests to celebrate your graduation - your accomplishments, and your well-deserved honors.

For me this is an especially meaningful occasion as I too am joined tonight by my family - my five siblings who like me walked across this very stage to receive our Jamestown High School diplomas and our parents whose support made it all possible. Thank you for inviting me to share tonight with you. It is wonderful to see many friends - what a truly special homecoming - Mr. Deppas, Mr. McRorth, and Mr. Ventura.

As I walked into this amphitheater, with its stunning natural beauty, I was flooded with many fond memories - all county band and orchestra concerts, summer music lessons. I remember my own graduation day in June 1977 sitting where you are now in my hot green robe, worried if my cap and tassel were straight. I recall feelings of excitement as well as apprehension. I was asking myself, where do I fit in? What is my place in this great world I am about to enter?

You, the members of the Class of 1999, are anxious I know to receive your diplomas, take pictures, attend graduation parties, and move into your lives beyond Jamestown High School.

As the class of 1999, you represent both the end of an historical era and the beginning of a new era in which you will see unprecedented changes.

As residents of Jamestown, you are facing the world not unlike James Prendergast who in 1806 when visiting his parents on Chautauqua Lake looked at the vast wilderness and envisioned a future civilization flourishing here. Making his vision a reality, he returned to this region in 1811, cleared land to build a home for his family, and created the area’s first dam and saw mill. The frontier you face exists clearly on a different level - on the level of using high technology for the common good and building a global economy and culture where diversity is appreciated and all people have access to opportunity.

As a college president, a former middle school teacher, and a parent, I have dedicated my career and life to promoting environments where students can learn and achieve their fullest potential. You have had the benefit of attending school in a community that supports you and your success. I know this firsthand because of the fine education I received from Fletcher Elementary through Lincoln Junior High to Jamestown High School. I worked with too many excellent teachers to possibly name them tonight. Moreover, I have the great benefit of working with talented recent JHS graduates who attend Wells College, such as Angela Dockwiller, a lacrosse player who also sings in our choir.

Today’s graduation ceremony provides a time to reflect on your high school years and to look forward to your next experience - your future plans. You are graduating on the verge of a new millennium. You will live most of your lives in the 21^st century - a time marked by social and economic change fueled by the surge of technology.

A few days ago my daughter Carol called my attention to a new Disney movie, Smart House. Apparently the story centers on a home infused with technology including a cyber helper. Frankly, in 1977 when I learned to type in the then modern Jamestown High School typing labs filled with the hum of electric typewriters, this concept would be a fantasy. Today it is a possibility. What does this mean for you and your life? Technology is a tool - a wonderful tool which has and will continue to improve the broad spectrum of communications and services. You will need to be conversant with all of the manifestations of technology to succeed. But never forget that technology is only a tool. The human element of critical thinking, the synthesis of information, and the successful solution of complex problems is first and foremost about people.

Along with the technological revolution we now live in a global community where isolation is impractical, if not impossible. You can access the great libraries of the world or e-mail a friend in Asia - all from your desktop. The possibilities are endless and the responsibilities are great, for you must learn about the richness of humankind and truly respect differences. You will need to work with people who are different than you, and you must be sure to value diversity.

If this were the sum total of our knowledge about the next century and your life in it, I would feel comfortable sending you off with a short formula for success: Respect others, pursue a broad and ongoing education, and be sure to stay current with technology. While I believe this is important and valuable advice, I am here tonight to share my more personal thoughts on leadership and your future success.

Education remains the key to your future. And lifelong opportunities exist through college, the military, and workplace training. I am sure you aren’t surprised that a college president gives that advice. The world needs educated ethical leaders who can meaningfully interpret information, find solutions to complex problems, and communicate effectively. These important tools can be gained through studying any number of courses. So as you go on to further your education, select a major course of study that you love. Though it is tempting to pre-determine your major based upon your sense of available job opportunities, it is wise to thoroughly enjoy your education. Many of the careers you will have the opportunity to select have not yet been thought of. So flexibility is essential. Learning is most productive when we are actively engaged in it.

Strive for balance in your life. Think of the richness of all your extracurricular activities here at JHS. They have been equally important to your education. What you learn and share with others on a playing field, on stage, in the band, in student government, through community service - maybe even in the cafeteria - is powerful. It has been 22 years since my graduation, but daily I use the skills I learned while working with Mr. Pritchard on the debate team. And when the JHS band marched down Prendergast Avenue on Memorial Day, I was reminded of the important life lessons I learned playing with the band. I was also delighted to meet two seniors at the parade. These activities combined with your classroom experiences provide you with a sense of yourself as a whole person, a young adult with many needs and many talents. These needs and talents can be met and utilized wherever you find yourself next through ongoing commitment to community activities and service. And I am impressed with the foundation for service you have generated as a class. You have pursued critical public leadership roles. I am particularly impressed with your sense of the need to enjoy and improve our environment as evidenced by your Chadakoin River project. Moreover, your generous gift to the Chautauqua A.I.D.S. coalition shows me that you have made a careful and clear decision to stand in support as this community and our nation address the realities of A.I.D.S.

Value teamwork. There is a growing need for leaders who understand and appreciate collaboration. You arrived here at this important day in large part because of the support you received from your team. Take a moment to look around at your team: your friends, your family, your teachers. Always remember teamwork and today’s positive result. Though it takes time to include others in decision making, it is well worth the effort. The end results are always better.

Always be honest - both with yourself and with others. Listen to your inner voice and be true to it. It may at times seem so much easier to tell others what you think they want to hear rather than what you know is the truth. But your word, your voice, is valuable. Unfortunately, much of society does not value honesty. But when it comes to truth, do not stoop to other standards - make them rise to yours.

I am often asked how I reached the position of college president. My answer is that my belief in education, balance, teamwork, and honesty has served me well. But I also talk about passion, hard work, and excellence. It is easier to succeed when you are passionate about your work. I bet you received the best grades in the subjects you enjoyed most. I am passionate about my work. Each day when I open my office door, I never question my belief in the importance of my efforts. Effort does matter. I also learned early on that hard work is rewarding. And there is no substitute for embracing excellence in all endeavors as your standard and your guide.

Two years ago I returned to Jamestown to attend my 20-year high school reunion. The event was a powerful experience, which not only allowed me to reunite with old friends, but also provided me the opportunity to forge new friendships with classmates. Always remember your class motto, "We came as friends yesterday, we work as friends today, we walk as friends into tomorrow," because at your 20^th reunion, you too will join together again amidst this extended community to celebrate the education and connections gained here at JHS. I know it is tough to think that far ahead, especially when you are rightfully so focused on today’s celebration. But tonight I want you to be mindful that while in many ways we can only imagine what the world will be like for you in 2019, we can be absolutely confident that the support and education you received here provides the solid foundation for your future happiness and success. As Jamestown native Natalie Merchant sings, "These are the days you’ll remember. It’s true that you are touched by something that will grow and bloom in you."

You have shared many exciting and challenging experiences. And you have emerged strong and ready to graduate. When your course seems unclear and your compass falters - which it will if you greet life with the enthusiasm and energy it deserves - remember your roots here at JHS. The world needs you - your talent and leadership - now more than ever before. As you chart your course and select your commitments, remember Ghandi’s words: "My life is my message."

The world is open to you. You can travel anywhere to pursue your dreams. I hope many of you will return to Jamestown and lend your talents to this extraordinary community. I am confident that you will excel in college, in your work, and beyond.

Pat yourselves on the back regularly. Be proud of your victories, whether seemingly small or clearly monumental.

Listen now and appreciate these words from my favorite Goethe couplet:

"What ever you can do, or dream you can, begin it!

Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."

Oh, and seniors - P.S. Apparently I am supposed to remind you to always wear sunscreen!

Delivered Friday, June 25, 1999, in Jamestown, New York