“It has got to be you going forward. It has to be.”
President Emeritus Barton D. Darrell’s message to the graduates of Kentucky Wesleyan College was as simple as that. The world needs change, and it has to be them.
Darrell addressed the 163 members of the Class of 2021 and members of the Class of 2020 who returned to take part in this year’s in-person ceremony, held Saturday at the RiverPark Center.
“We’re at a point in our nation and world where I don’t think this generation needs to be encouraged as much as they need to be turned loose and told ‘it’s got to be you,’” Darrell said prior to the commencement. “There’s some things in this world that have to be fixed, and they’re the only ones equipped to do it.”
Darrell also left graduates with another message, imploring them to not just value their relationships in life but to let others know their importance.
“Telling other people how you feel about them, understanding where you fit in in other people’s lives is going to be more important than ever,” he said.
Current Kentucky Wesleyan President Dr. Thomas Mitzel gave a welcome speech, and his message was much the same as Darrell’s.
Change is inevitable, so embrace it you’re going to have to adapt.
“You’ve been through a harrowing 13 months,” Mitzel told graduates. “It’s been a tumultuous year for you. But your generation is used to this change. Your generation is going to be what brings us back together.”
Noting the various ways in which the students have come together over the last year — such as organizing peaceful marches and protests or hosting unity events — Mitzel said their generation knows the importance of bringing awareness to important issues, even in the midst of incredibly divisive times.
“You’re not afraid to go forward, even when you don’t know what the ending may be, because you’ve done it before and succeeded,” he said. “You’ve learned to forge your own path. More importantly you’ve learned to work with others in a positive and inspirational role.”
Mitzell wrapped up, saying “When you’ve finished changing, you’re really finished. So embrace the change. Help lead that change. Don’t cower from it, because it will be there every single day of your lives, and you are ready for it.”
