LETTER: To the 1,270 UHCL spring 2020 graduates
Dear Graduates in the May 2020 Class,
We regret that we are not able to gather together to celebrate the momentous occasion of your degree completion and conferral with your friends, family, and loved ones looking on. In keeping with the way we have responded to the global pandemic, we decided to adapt and be flexible, but maintain some of our traditions. We decided to use The Signal as a mechanism to take a moment to honor each of you and your hard work, perseverance, and achievements. Now is the time to both look ahead to your future and reflect on your time at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Much like the UHCL Hawk, with your graduation you take flight; this is a flight that will guide you towards a career or perhaps on to further education. Your degree signifies a launching point for new experiences in learning that will continue throughout your lifetime.
While you may not remember all of the individual facts that you have learned from your classes, what we hope you take away from UH-Clear Lake are the skills in critical thinking, research and communication that will help you achieve your future goals.
As faculty, our lives are made richer by our interactions with you. We thank you for the excellent class discussions, asking tough questions, and for challenging us as we have hopefully challenged you. In turning the page on this chapter of your life, this final semester of your time with us at UHCL was an experience that we are sure to remember always. One thing is for certain, you rose to the occasion and finished strong despite the circumstances.
Graduation is always a very proud day for us! As we share in the celebration of your accomplishments, it also reminds us that we have one of the greatest jobs in the world! The poet Nakita Gil authored a poem titled, Startdust. In it she writes, “We have calcium in our bones, iron in our veins, carbon in our souls, and nitrogen in our brains. 93 percent stardust, with souls made of flames, we are all just stars that have people names.” Shine bright, our stars, as you leave UHCL to accomplish your goals and impact the world around you. We look forward to seeing the many great things that you will achieve in the future.
Congratulations on your graduation.
Sincerely,
Dr. Heather Kanenberg, Faculty Senate President
Dr. Elizabeth Beavers, Faculty Senate President-Elect
Dr. Mike McMullen, Faculty Senate Past-President
CORRECTION: 5/6/20 – The word “thing” was added to replace “this” in the sentence “One thing is for certain…”
