More than 400 Poets donned caps and gowns and prepared to receive their bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Whittier College’s 114th Commencement Ceremony. Families, friends, faculty, and members the Board of Trustees gathered at Memorial Stadium to celebrate the class of 2017 as they embark on their journeys after Whittier.
Global telecommunications, media, and cable industry expert Sol Trujillo addressed the graduates and their families as this year’s honored speaker. During his speech, he shared his story of growing up in a traditional Hispanic household and his journey to pursue a career in business. He encouraged the students to think about their own journeys, building a personal brand, and to “think about how people think about you today and tomorrow … [because] as you go into the workforce, your brand becomes more important,” he said.
A successful businessman, Trujillo has led large media companies in the United States, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions, most recently as CEO of Telstra Corporation, Australia’s largest media communications enterprise. Trujillo sits on corporate boards in the US, EU, and China – including Target and Promerica Bank of Los Angeles, where he is vice chairman; China’s Silk Road Technologies, where he is chairman; and Weather Investments, headquartered in Rome with investments in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Trujillo was conferred with an honorary doctorate of humane letters (L.H.D.) by the College and presented by Whittier College President Sharon Herzberger. Honorary degrees are Whittier’s highest honor, reserved for individuals whose lives personify the convictions, ambitions, values, and accomplishments celebrated at the College.
Kourtney Brodnax ’17, who majored in critical studies in media marketing through the Whittier Scholars Program, served as this year’s commencement student speaker. “Do not be afraid of competition because the pen will always have the power,” she told her fellow graduates. “We are adaptable, creative, inclusive, and full of tenacity when questioning the question. So, take this degree and become the person you needed when you were just starting this journey.”
As a final opportunity to address the graduating Poets, President Herzberger reminded them of all the activities they participated in, courses they took, places they visited, organizations they joined, and accomplishments they achieved. “As you leave this place, as your president, I charge you to remember the values you have assimilated at this venerable college,” she said. “I charge you to use all of the talents and wisdom you collected here. And I charge you to remember that, just as we have been privileged to know you, you were privileged to attend Whittier College.”
(click here to read the full speech)
