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Edison Commencement Speaker Emphasizes Attitude, Support for Success

Edison Community College commencement keynote speaker Valorie R. Welbaum is well aware of the hard work and sacrifice it takes to get an education, as well as the attitude and spirit it takes to turn that experience into success. It was her experience, and the advice given to her from friends, family and mentors over the years that she wanted to share with the 37th graduation class at Edison Friday night.

“What I hope you will take from what I have to say this evening is how much your life is able to affect everyone around you and to encourage each of you to keep reaching for your goals,” she said. “Based on the few years it took me to complete my education, and while being in the work force, some of the greatest advice I have been given is still actively making a difference in my life.”

More than 530 graduates earned a total of 557 degrees or certificates at the ceremony held in the Edison Piqua campus gymnasium. There were 13 degrees awarded to high school seniors, enrolled through the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option program (PSEOP), a figure that was especially important to the evening’s keynote speaker, who was also a PSEOP student along with her four sisters.

Welbaum spoke to the graduates on the topic of attitude, and how, even in difficult times, a positive outlook can be the strongest factor in determining success.

“Although media and some people say that it is a difficult time for jobs, don’t let these comments or fears detour you from continuing your forward progress. There will be lots of opportunities out there for there is a great deal of change happening in the work force,” Welbaum stated. “You can be on the leading edge of some of this change by just continuing to learn, and even more importantly, having a positive attitude. From what I have seen, the main way to motivate a team or group in any situation or job is through your attitude.”

Addressing the crowd of more than 2,500, Edison’s new President, Dr. Cristobal Valdez, spoke of the powerful effect and influence that community colleges, especially one with a stellar reputation like Edison, can have on a student. This point was very true with tonight’s attendees, considering that approximately two-thirds of the graduates from the class of 2011 are first-generation college graduates.

Welbaum touched on the importance of family support and mentoring in the lives of today’s college students.

“Make sure along the way to find a mentor or two in LIFE, someone you can come to for advice.” Welbaum said. “I have been very blessed with a husband and family that never stops believing in me.”

The evening’s ceremonies marked some historic firsts in the college’s history, beginning with the first commencement overseen by Valdez, Edison’s fourth president, who took over after the retirement of Dr. Kenneth Yowell, who left in April after 23 years at the college’s helm.

Additionally, this was the first class to graduate from Edison’s newly accredited physical therapy assistant program, which is now accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. This was also the first year that graduates from a joint project with Hydro Aluminum in Sidney have completed their degree. The program sent Edison faculty and curriculum to the Sidney plant to conduct courses on-site for employees.

Amid the evening’s historic firsts, Welbaum concluded her speech on a note of positivity for the graduating class of 2011.

“Be excited and pat yourself on the back for you have now completed a great goal and milestone in life,” said Welbaum. “Don’t stop now, ‘Carpe Diem’ one day at a time. Congratulations Class 2011, you are now well on your way for a new season of change.”

In a follow-up message, Edison’s new President, Dr. Cristobal 'Cris' Valdez, had his own comments for faculty and staff:

To all of you who attended the commencement ceremony this evening, thank you for participating.  It truly was a memorable evening for our graduates and their guests and an enchanting inaugural event for me.  I was delighted to share it with you.
 
For those of you unable to attend, we certainly hope you can do so in the future.  It is a momentous occasion and worthy of our time.
 
To all;
 
Thank you for your commitment to our students and our college.  Without your expertise, support, and dedication this college would not offer the unique learning opportunity that our students are afforded.  And, we are all aware without our students we would not exist.
 
Sincerely,
 
Cris
 
Cristobal 'Cris' Valdez, Ed.D.
President
Edison Community College

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