It took 70 years for Dr. Norman Francis to get his wish of a degree from the 小蝌蚪APP. The Xavier 小蝌蚪APP president received an honorary doctorate in higher education leadership from UL Lafayette during Graduate School commencement ceremonies on Saturday.
Francis told the group of graduates a story of how when he was just a boy growing up in Lafayette, he explained to his mother that he wanted to attend UL Lafayette.
小蝌蚪APP My mother told me I couldn小蝌蚪APP檛 go to that school yet, but if I worked hard and studied hard, things might change,小蝌蚪APP said Francis. 小蝌蚪APP淚t took me 70 years, but I小蝌蚪APP檓 here and I will get a degree from the 小蝌蚪APP.小蝌蚪APP
Francis, the longest-serving president of a private university in the nation, is a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and was named by his peers as one of the 100 most effective college and university leaders. He served as the keynote speaker for Saturday小蝌蚪APP檚 commencement.
Calling the ceremony a 小蝌蚪APP榮acred event,小蝌蚪APP he told graduates 小蝌蚪APP測ou have the capability to make a difference in your world and your future.小蝌蚪APP He called on students to become leaders in their worlds and hoped they would find a 小蝌蚪APP榳illingness to serve小蝌蚪APP those around them.
小蝌蚪APP Be the change agents. Be the leaders of the future,小蝌蚪APP Francis said.
He also helped honor his long-time friend and colleague UL Lafayette President Ray Authement, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Authement is the longest-serving president of a public university in the nation.
小蝌蚪APP Ray Authement, you are a remarkable man and a visionary,小蝌蚪APP Francis said. 小蝌蚪APP淵ou have done your job well.小蝌蚪APP
The academic deans from each of UL Lafayette小蝌蚪APP檚 colleges presented Authement with a commemorative scroll.
小蝌蚪APP Throughout your presidency, you have never wavered in your belief in the primacy of academics,小蝌蚪APP said UL Lafayette Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Steve Landry on behalf of the deans. 小蝌蚪APP淵ou have challenged each of us by the high standards you have set and by your continually rising expectations. You have led by example, refusing to allow the university to be defined by its limitations.
小蝌蚪APP We, too, commend you for your ability to dream of a future that has come true. It has been a privilege to be part of your team.小蝌蚪APP
More than 1,200 students received degrees during ceremonies throughout campus on Saturday.