Commencement 2024

Greetings!

Welcome to the friends and family joining us to celebrate UB’s commencement!

We know how excited you are to see your loved one reach this milestone. Let me assure you: All of us at the University at Buffalo share in your pride!

With that, congratulations to the Class of 2024!

Last month, another memorable event captured the attention of our UB community. Much like graduation, a flurry of anticipation preceded the big day. And when it finally arrived, we gathered steps from here, wearing the regalia appropriate for the occasion. I’m referring to solar eclipse safety glasses, of course!

In ancient times, people reacted to a solar eclipse with shock and bewilderment. They considered it a bad omen--a warning from the Gods. Today, we understand the science behind an eclipse. And yet, after experiencing this celestial show first-hand, it dawned on me—and yes, that pun was intended!—that the solar eclipse still has much to teach us.

Graduates, before you claim your well-earned status as alumni, allow me to share three bits of advice gathered from the Path of Totality.

First: Reconnect with the natural world—not only during an event of cosmic proportion, but as often as possible.

I think those of us who witnessed the eclipse would agree that it was an awe-inspiring event. A close second was the sight of thousands of people absorbed in this rare display.

Let’s face it: Our 21^st-century world is designed for distraction. The bombardment of social media, the lure of streaming content, the never-ending alerts and notifications all defy us to focus, to ponder, to think creatively—in short, to harness the skills you have fine-tuned at UB.

So, instead of taking selfies, take time for self-reflection. Disconnect from your devices and enjoy free rein for introspection. When you give wide berth to the stressors of modern life, you allow yourself space to find both your place in the world, and your responsibility to it.

Second: Don’t begrudge circumstances beyond your control.

As our graduates will remember, the sun shone brightly the day before and after the eclipse. Yet on April 8^th, grey clouds covered the skies, spoiling any chance of a pristine view.

We had two choices: dwell on our misfortune or make the most of this fleeting experience.

At UB’s viewing party, it was clear that everyone opted for the latter. With our necks craned, we rejoiced whenever the clouds parted to reveal the moon sliding in front the sun. We marveled as the birds stopped chirping, the temperature dropped, and darkness descended. Notwithstanding the uncooperative weather, we experienced a breath-taking moment.

As with the eclipse, so it goes in life. Magnify your disappointments, and you miss occasions for learning, enrichment and wonder. Seek out opportunities within the challenges, and you multiply your prospects.

This brings me to my last suggestion, which is simply this: Use your expertise for the greater good.

At UB’s solar eclipse party, a group of students launched a weather balloon equipped with GPS and a Go-Pro camera. The next day, they tracked down their science experiment two hours from here. Their footage—shared on YouTube for all the world to see—provides us with glorious views of the eclipse from above the clouds.

Graduates, your presence here today affirms your disciplinary expertise. The degree you are about to receive will serve you professionally. But, how will you serve it?

As you rise in your career, I humbly ask that you also reach out. Especially now, as society wrestles with a host of troubling issues, we need your informed voice of reason and your thoughtful perspectives. When you apply what you have learned for others’ benefit, you put your UB education to its highest purpose.

During the course of your UB education, you have made your UB family proud.

Now, graduates, we can’t wait to see all you accomplish as UB alumni.

Once again, congratulations to the Class of 2024!