Good evening. And welcome to all of our parents and friends who join us tonight to celebrate this momentous occasion.
I’m extremely proud to be standing before you as your Academic Dean, one last time before you leave our institution to make your mark on the world.
Never in my 20 years in academia have I felt so proud, so directly connected and so hopeful for the success of each and every one of you.
Two years ago – which feels like both an eternity and an instant – 7 faculty and I sat together in a dimly-lit room all summer (along with the registrar, because you know, you always need a registrar) - we debated, wrestled, and agonized over a curriculum which would change the face of Media Arts education in the 21st century.
You, our inaugural graduates, are literally that new face. And we are all very proud of you.
It took a lot of courage to commit to our idea - for some of you that commitment occurred when there were less than studs and drywall hanging – mere spray paint on the floor!
In September 2007, you arrived, wide-eyed and hopeful that you had finally found the place that could help you realize your dreams.
The place where you finally fit.
Where others spoke your language.
As you now know, this education is intense, immersive, high-speed, and perhaps above all, flexible.
I’d like you to take a moment and think back to the person you were in September of 2007 – as you walked through our doors, the inaugural class of Flashpoint Academy.
Consider how you felt, what your dreams were, where you imagined yourself to be by this point in time.
I’m certain you are some of what you thought you would be, and lots of things you couldn’t even consider at that point in time.
Two years ago you placed your trust in us. Today, this evening, it is time to place that trust in yourselves. Trust that you know what it is you need to – to find your own individual success in the world.
We’ve basically taught you everything we possibly can – packed it into a mere 18 months, 320 days. I could reiterate the FPS system, remind you of the ten qualities of any successful digital professional, but the truth is, by now, you’ve internalized it. You embody innovation. You hold yourself accountable to no one but yourself – and that should make you - and it - the highest standard.
Take what you’ve learned from us out into the world and seed the industry with your work ethic, your enthusiasm, your accountability, teach others about communication and collaboration. Because believe me, the world needs it.
See, that’s part of the deal of being a FP graduate – that’s the part we didn’t tell you about when you signed on two years ago –
It’s now your turn – to take it out into the world – to teach others.
You will work alongside other people who haven’t learned these basic tenets of being a 21st century digital professional.
You will work alongside others whose lack of enthusiasm will threaten your success.
Others will take note of how you are different – and they may not always like it.
So it’s up to you – to be the leaders - to show them how and why this approach is better - vital even – to any great success.
We’ve taught you about the 10 Flashpoint Professional Standards. But what most people don’t know is that there are 2 more – there are actually 12.
The final two are patience. And impatience.
As you go out into the world, take with you a good measure of both.
Be patient in your interactions with others – in other words, listen to them –
they undoubtedly have something to tell you that you don’t already know.
But be impatient with yourself and your goals – I call it patience with an engine whirring underneath.
This makes you the kind of professional others want to work with – they know you’ll listen to ideas, and yet hold yourself to such a high standard that the work you produce will be of indisputable quality.
Patience with an engine whirring underneath.
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There has been a tremendous amount of sacrifice - and a tremendous amount of hope - poured into this evening.
I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge those original 7 faculty members, 1 registrar and 1 Dean of Students: (in alphabetical order)
Brad Bergeron
Perry Harovas
Peter Hawley
Charles Jones
Bernie Mack
John Murray
Simeon Peebler
Amy Rising
Francine Sanders
I’d like to thank all of our faculty for their contributions – toward strengthening the FP team. They saw our enthusiasm, your enthusiasm, and signed on for the ride.
And of course the staff, without whom nothing would stay organized, or run smoothly – their collective efforts are evidenced by this terrific ceremony.
Finally, I would like the graduates to acknowledge and thank their parents and friends who are here tonight, who have supported you not only this evening, but greatly over the past two years.
To our inaugural class of graduates, I thank you for your courage, for your risk-taking, for your own perseverance in making it to this momentous day.
Go forward and make us proud. Better yet, make yourself proud. For that is the best metric.
Good luck and Godspeed. We are all here, rooting for you.
Thanks.