Kerri Pearles - Valedictorian - Class of 2005
C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University
Valedictory Address - May 8, 2005

Kerri Pearles, Valedictorian of the C.W. Post Class of 2005, graduates summa cum laude with a perfect 4.0 grade point average and a bachelor of arts degree in political science. Pearles, a 22-year-old resident of Albertson, New York, is a member of C.W. Post's nationally renowned Honors Program, the Political Science Association and the Political Science Honors Society. She is devoted to community service and participates in local fundraising events to benefit children afflicted with cancer. She aspires to a career as an elected official, working in the department of state or serving the government as a senator. She plans to attend graduate school in the fall, pursuing a master’s degree in political science.

Her valedictory speech follows:      
Good morning distinguished administrators, honored guests, faculty, alumni, families, and graduates.

It is my privilege and my honor to represent such a diligent and talented class on one of the most special days in each of our lives.  We have all been blessed with a great opportunity to study in the challenging and stimulating atmosphere of C.W. Post which would not have been possible without the support of so many people here today.

This day marks a momentous occasion.  Today is the culmination of an experience that many attempt to undertake; but, only the most dedicated and determined have successfully met the deadlines, conducted the research, and made the sacrifices that have made the journey worthwhile.  Today is also the commencement of a new chapter in each of our lives.  Now we begin new careers, in new homes, and enter new venues of learning.  Whether the future holds a career in law, politics, business, nursing, academia, or medicine, we can all be confident in the solid educational foundation we have received here at C.W. Post.

An education, the saying goes, is what you have left after you've forgotten what you've learned.  As time goes on and the facts and details we have learned are largely forgotten, what will we have left? Commitment to the highest standard of results, perseverance toward serious expectations and goals, as well as creative analytical skills expressed at the University level will impact behavior in our future careers and in our communities.

As I reflect upon my educational career up to this point, I realize that the broad lessons I have learned have impacted and developed my base of knowledge.  In a way, education is less about the facts we memorize and more about the advice we receive from a variety of sources on a daily basis.  Education is a lifelong process.  The first educational tools we receive come in the form of advice from our families.

As a child, the most memorable advice I received from my uncle came during a game of monopoly.  He said, "Don't ask to start over just because you're losing."  From him, I learned that the ability to find solutions in seemingly hopeless situations is a valuable skill.  My grandma always reminded me to "write a thank you note."  Because of her I have learned that the expression of genuine gratitude is a precious social grace.  My grandpa has shared his conservative wisdom with me in so many ways.  He has consistently encouraged me through these words, "If someone else can do it, I can do it."  My parents have given me the greatest advice of all.  From my dad I learned the value of hardwork and the importance of a sense of humor.  From my mom I learned the importance of family and through her example, that great leaders must be great motivators.

While I may not remember every fact they have taught me, I will always remember these lessons.
At Post, the faculty members have provided guidance and advice to all of us during these past years.  Dr. Soupios taught me that an understanding of politics requires an acknowledgement of different worldviews and motivations.  From Dr. Grosskopf, I learned the art of comparison as well as the skill of developing solid research questions and a comprehensively formulated argument.  And, a special thank you to Dr. Buchman for guiding me through my thesis, for challenging my ideals, and for reminding me that an important quality of every project lies in its presentation.  These are the lessons I will remember.  I praise these distinguished professors for their genuine concern for students, such as myself, and for their enthusiasm for their subject areas.  The members of the faculty have been role models for me during my college career.

They have motivated, energized, and instilled in me high expectations and the determination required for success.
Now here we are today, sitting together under this white tent, with a lifetime of advice from both inside and outside of the classroom.  But we do not sit alone.  Each of us is surrounded by our fellow classmates, who traveled the path with us.  We also have our guests, who are just as proud of us today as we are of ourselves, and have just as much to share in this occasion.  Whether it is our parents who funded our tuition, our grandparents who gave us an extra $20 for textbooks, or our friends who accompanied us through the dark book stacks, we couldn't have made it without you.  Mom, Dad, Nana, Boppa, Uncle Bob, Colleen, Dan, and Jeremy, you are my best friends and my inspiration.  Your encouragement and advice have been priceless.

My fellow graduates, we are empowered with years of advice and now we must turn our aspirations into reality.  President Ronald Reagan once said, "My philosophy of life is that if we make up our mind what we are going to make of our lives, then work hard toward that goal, we never lose - somehow we win out."  Today we celebrate that very accomplishment.  My advice to you this morning is this - continue to learn, expand your perspective, but never compromise the values you hold closest to your heart.  Most importantly, never settle for anything less than success.

On behalf of your salutatorian, James Danaher, and myself, Congratulations Class of 2005!