By Frank Campailla
Students awarded degrees at Quinnipiac's graduate Commencement ceremony don't have to worry about achieving success, according to keynote speaker Carlton Highsmith. Mission accomplished.
"Don't worry or wonder if you're going to be successful," Highsmith said. "You will be. You've already demonstrated that you're hard working, motivated and intelligent and that you are among the best and brightest. Your degree from this wonderful University is proof of that. You're going to walk out of here with a great education."
Highsmith, founder, president and chief executive officer of Specialized Packaging Group in Hamden, received an honorary degree at Commencement for graduate programs and the College of Professional Studies on the University Quadrangle May 11. Quinnipiac awarded 450 degrees.
Highsmith, a member of Quinnipiac's board of trustees, was Business New Haven's 2006 Businessperson of the Year and the U.S. Department of Commerce recognized his company as 2005 National Manufacturer of the Year. Highsmith was inducted into Quinnipiac's Business Leader Hall of Fame in 2007.
He explained that professional success and making money is only part of the plan to sustain a fulfilling life. There's much more. "Winston Churchill put it this way: 'We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give,'" Highsmith said.
He encouraged graduates to use their talent beyond the scope of their professional work. "Whether it's donating a few hours a month at a free health clinic, or tutoring special needs children, or serving lunch at a local soup kitchen, or serving on a board of a public service organization, there's something each of you can do to make someone else's life better."
Highsmith has devoted a major part of his life helping others. "What an amazing thrill it is to help the needy," he said. "What a joy to see hope replace hopelessness. These are feelings you're going to have to experience for yourself, and I sincerely hope that you do. If you do, you will have made the world a better place and yourself a better human being. Whatever you choose as a profession in life I urge you to leave room in your heart, as well as on your calendar, to do something significant to help the less fortunate. There's no shortage of people who need your help. And helping is not a burden."
A reception for graduates and their families followed the ceremony. NBC 30 reporter Debra Bogstie earned a master's degree in organizational leadership and Fox 61 operations manager Douglas Stewart earned a master's degree in interactive communications. "The field of television is moving toward the Web, and I want to stay relevant," Stewart said. "I have a better understanding now of what the Web is about, what's important and how to tell stories in the most effective way using the Internet."
Stephen Greco of Branford, Conn., earned a master's degree in teaching. "I went to Branford High School, and the teachers there made a big difference in my life," Greco said. "They really cared, and anytime I needed anything, they were there. Now I want to do the same."
Among the graduates, 19 received a doctor of physical therapy degree. This is the first class from this six-and-a-half year program. Elizabeth Briand of Beverly, Mass., can't believe she has a doctorate degree already. She thought college would end with a bachelor's degree. "When I was younger, I thought I would be 22 and done with college," Briand said. "This is 100 times better. Now I'm 24 and I have my doctorate."