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Remarks by Dr. Timothy P. White - May 4, 2019

Remarks by Timothy P. White
Chancellor, The California State University
Commencement 2019
California State University Maritime Academy
May 4, 2019

Thank you, President Cropper…and thank you cadets, parents and loved ones, faculty and staff, for the honor of joining you this afternoon for this momentous event. I bring you heartfelt greetings from the Chancellor’s Office and from the California State University Board of Trustees.

Given the audience here today, I’m sure I’m “preaching to the choir” when I say that Cal Maritime is truly an extraordinary institution. It’s certainly one that holds a special place in my heart. From its spectacular setting here on Morrow Cove…to its rigorous, specialized curriculum…and its emphasis on inspiring a global perspective while instilling accountability, responsibility, leadership and professionalism among its Corps of Cadets…Cal Maritime is a singular place.

It has exacting standards and high expectations for its students, faculty, staff – and its more-than 7,300 alumni…a distinguished group of maritime professionals so many of you join today.

In fact, I have seen nothing but excellence from this institution since I was appointed chancellor.

With one exception.

It was a beautiful day on the Bay…about a year ago, as I remember.

In what was clearly a weak moment on the bridge, my then 8th-grade son was somehow permitted to stand with a cadet and pilot the Golden Bear for a mile or two as we cleared the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and turned at the buoy toward Vallejo.

All survived.

But other than this uncharacteristic breach of protocol, again…nothing but excellence.

(And I thank Cal Maritime for a wonderful memory that my son and I will share for the rest of our lives.)

Graduates, we celebrate you today. Your intellect. Your curiosity. Your drive and your willingness to wrestle to the ground any challenge that stood between you and the degree you’re about to receive.

We also celebrate your faculty, who deepened your knowledge and expanded your horizons. Your counselors, advisors, librarians and support staff who created the environment for your success. And we celebrate your families, friends and loved ones whose support and belief in you never wavered.

You are the future leaders of the global maritime profession. Be bold. Be courageous. Have an appetite for adventure. Lead with a compassionate heart and inspire those who follow you.

Your many future accomplishments will undoubtedly be influenced by what you’ve learned and experienced on this campus. I hope that you’ll look back upon these experiences often and fondly, and that you will remain actively involved with this remarkable place – your alma mater.

The California State University Board of Trustees and I welcome you to the world’s largest alumni network – now 3.7 million strong. We are proud of your achievements and wish you every success.

Congratulations!