Letters to the Graduates
Because of print deadlines, I am writing this message to you more than five weeks before the scheduled commencement exercises. It is my hope that the careful planning that went into this day has come to fruition and that you are indeed on Harris Field inside Ed Cheff Stadium for this momentous event.
Graduates, you and your fellow students along with administration, faculty and staff of Lewis-Clark State College, have been steadfast in protocol compliance since the beginning of this very challenging time in which we have been living. As a result, the campus community has been kept safe and operational. Everyone has done well, working together, to make this day a reality. To echo the words of Dr. Cynthia Pemberton, our president, I am both proud and appreciative.
You have been taught many lessons in your years at Lewis-Clark State, and one thing you’re probably not interested in today is yet another piece of advice. I’m going to give you one anyway: Never forget where you came from and where you’ve been.
When you complete an employment application and it asks for the name of your educational institution, be proud to answer “Lewis-Clark State College.” When you get a job and are meeting co-workers and the subject of education comes up, remember to tell them that you attended “Lewis-Clark State College.”
And of course, when you find a little bit of extra money in your bank account and are looking to make an investment, remember “Lewis-Clark State College” and the people who invested in you. It may have even been the Foundation, which began in 1984.
In my message for virtual graduation a year ago, I quoted my favorite line from Dr. Pemberton’s book “More Than A Game.” That line reads, “Wonderfulness is considerably higher than the legal minimum.”
In short, it means you can be wonderful and do wonderful things. And if that means reaching a bit deeper when giving – whether it’s financial or otherwise – please consider it.
On behalf of the Lewis-Clark State College Foundation, congratulations on not only celebrating one of the biggest days of your life in person, but also on the achievement of graduating.
Mike Tatko, President
Lewis-Clark State College Foundation
Dear 2021 Graduates of LC State,
On behalf of the Associated Students of Lewis-Clark State College, I would like to start by thanking you all for the years of tireless work put in to achieve this great accomplishment. As your student body president I was tasked with the responsibility of serving the needs of my fellow students, ensuring that your experience here at LC State was one that was worthwhile. However, I must say that throughout my term I’ve realized that you were the ones who made this possible for me, and I am forever grateful for that.
This 2020-2021 experience will likely be one of the most unforgettable chapters of all of our journeys. The academic and personal hardships presented to us throughout the COVID-19 pandemic were daunting to say the least, but guess what? They did not break us. We could have easily folded our cards and gave up; but we didn’t, because that’s not what Warriors do. As a matter of fact, I believe this past year has only made us stronger, and signifies the birth of a new perspective and existential awareness that will undoubtedly serve us for the rest of our days.
We have weathered through one of the most intense and unpredictable emotional roller coasters in history. I want you all to look at the people next to you and remember this important fact: they were on that ride with you. Together we adapted, improvised, and most importantly stuck together to prevail through a series of obstacles that most of us could have never imagined navigating in our lives. I am so proud of you all for the work you put in and the sacrifices you made to get here today.
Though this wild chapter of your life that took place here at LC State may come to a close once you toss those caps, the sense of community we have built here together will live forever. This is not only a graduation, it’s a celebration of friendship and victory. Now it’s time for you all to go out and tell the world your beautiful story. Congratulations class of 2021, you all deserve nothing but the best.
Much Love,
Gabe Mowry
ASLCSC President 2020-2021
Dear Graduates,
Congratulations to the Class of 2021! On behalf of the 25,000-plus members of the LCSC Alumni Association, I welcome you as the newest members of this ever-growing, worldwide family, and applaud you for reaching this life-changing milestone in your life and rising up to the challenges you have faced during the pandemic.
As you prepare for the next step, I encourage you to maintain relationships with your alma mater and participate with fellow alumni through the Alumni Association. As a graduate, membership in this Association is complimentary. You can keep connected through our webpage (www.lcsc.edu/alumni), Facebook (by liking “Lewis-Clark State Alumni & Friends”), Journey Magazine, and the many social networking events and opportunities in Lewiston, Coeur d’Alene, Boise and beyond.
Becoming an alum of LC State provides you with a growing list of alumni benefits. These include a discounted membership at the Fitness Center, discounts to Warrior athletic and Silverthorne Theatre events, and a lifetime email, just to name a few.
We all share a common connection – we are WARRIORS and have been prepared by the outstanding LC State faculty and staff to succeed in whatever life brings. Staying connected through the Alumni Association will keep you connected to these very people and the students you have shared this life experience with.
Again, congratulations on now being a WARRIOR4LIFE and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
GO WARRIORS!!!
Sincerely,
Kevin Reynolds
LCSC Alumni President
“The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.”
― Kalpana Chawla
Per aspera ad astra – YOU did it. You not only reached the stars through hardships, but you became your own star through your educational accomplishments during a global pandemic. The last months and year and a half have been nothing short of challenging. Yet, you showed the courage, you persevered through a generation-defining moment, and here you are following your dreams to success.
Along the way, you have made many memories about things you learned in and outside the classroom, about new friends, faculty members, and so much more. We have gone through a lot together and prepared you the best we can. We have enjoyed working side by side with you, trying to convey our knowledge and experiences to you.
We will always remember you fondly and look forward to staying in touch with you as you embark on the next chapter of your journey! As you shape the universe around you and mentor others with your vision, we will cheer you on in the hope of a brighter future.
We know that you are ready. We are proud of you!
Take this moment in time and space to rejoice and reflect… it’s a time of goodbyes and new hellos… it’s a time of congratulations on your achievements and thank-yous to all of those who helped you accomplish your goals…
Thus, on behalf of the LC State faculty, I want to wish you viel Glück, bonne chance, buena suerte, good luck, and hanyaw’atóom haanyáy’sa ‘eetx ta’c ‘ískit! May you live long and prosper,
Leif Hoffmann
Faculty Association Chair