As I try to do each year, I wanted to send a brief note to all of our students during this last week of the academic year to wish you all the best as you wrap up the year. Take this as a note of encouragement.
Study hard, of course, and get those papers and projects and reports finished well, and get some sleep from time to time. Drink some good coffee, but not too much.
As I have had the privilege of meeting and eating and visiting with so many of you over this past year, I have come to the conclusion, once again, that we have the most amazing students in the world! You are the best. I get around to other campuses, and I know what I am talking about. I want you to know you are quite extraordinary.
You are smart, savvy, sophisticated, hip, and aware; and yet you have very little cynicism that seems to plague youth culture and often other campuses. You know that’s the SPU way. You know what’s going on in the world — which is one of our signature commitments — and some of what’s happening is very troubling and disturbing. And yet you continue to embrace the Christian story wholeheartedly and seem empowered to live with hope.
What is huge for me is that you get the big idea of Seattle Pacific, and you talk naturally and convincingly about changing the world. You care to use your gifts to make a difference. You absolutely do get it.
For those of you who are graduating on Saturday, we will see you throughout the week and at Commencement, a grand time of celebration. And don't miss SPU's notice of congratulations to the Class of 2007 that morning in The Seattle Times and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer!
For those of you off for the summer, we will see you again in the fall for the beginning of another amazing year. We have so many exciting things already in motion for next year.
I wish God’s best for each one of you in the days ahead. Finish strong this week and then move into the summer and the next phase of your lives with confidence and courage. You do indeed have what it takes to change the world.
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