Charles Brockner, 22 years old, earned a B.A./M.A. in international studies/political science and was named Valedictorian of the Class of 2001 at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, in Brookville, NY. Brockner delivered his valedictory remarks on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13 before an audience of 8,000 including graduates, their guests, faculty, and distinguished guests. Included in the audience was Brockner's mother, Joette Stefl-Mabry, who was graduating with the University's first Ph.D. in information studies.

While he was a student at C.W. Post, Brockner served as director of the campus' Study Abroad program and was the coordinator of the Academic Standing Committee. He was the recipient of a National Security Education Program scholarship, one of 50 nationwide, and spent two semesters in Prague studying at Charles University, where he also researched his thesis on the Czech application to the European Union. While overseas, Brockner interned at the East West Institute's Prague Center, which sponsored the "Ten Year's After" Conference, hosted by President Vaclav Havel. Brockner graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

Brockner has been accepted to Georgetown University where he intends to pursue a master's degree in national security studies and a Ph.D. in government.

Charles B. Brockner - Valedictorian Valedictory Address - May 13, 2001 43nd Annual Commencement Ceremonies C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University

Board of trustees, President Steinberg, faculty, administrators and staff, fellow graduates, family and friends, thank you for this honor. It is a great privilege to represent the class of 2001 at these commencement exercises, which celebrate a monumental achievement in our lives. Congratulations Class of 2001! Collectively we have overcome tremendous obstacles to arrive at this point in time, surpassed only by our will to persevere, and persevere we surely have. When we think back on our years at Post, we must remember the many who have shaped, nurtured and supported our dreams and ambitions.

Our family and friends, many of whom are here with us today, have stood steadfastly behind us in their belief in our potential. Without the support and love of our families it would have been nearly impossible for many of us to be here today. To my own family, "DEKUJI MOC," or thank you in Czech, and to my Mom, who is also graduating today, with the University's first Ph.D. in Information Studies, I extend my deepest congratulations, pride and admiration. To her, and to all mothers, Happy Mother's Day.

We as graduates must thank C.W. Post's faculty, whose pursuit of truth and concern for us as both learners and human beings have empowered us beyond measure. Indeed, a C.W. Post education concerns itself with the development of the whole person. While each of us certainly has a list of faculty members we would like to thank, I would like to take this opportunity to thank a group of my own professors who have had a significant impact on my academic and personal development. To Dr.'s Michael Soupios and Bob Brier who both ventured across the Atlantic and braved sub-zero temperatures to visit me while I studied in Prague, my endless thanks. Your passion for knowledge, although in different fields, has been a source of great inspiration. Dr. Joan Digby, thank you for your unflagging support and guidance as you directed the Honor's Program through dozens of stimulating lecture series and courses. Professor Leila Doss, whose commitment to the students of C.W. Post is second only to her support of the work of the United Nations, thank you. Dr. Roger Goldstein, whose knowledge and skill within the fields of political science and international studies have sustained my personal goals and objectives; your support has been tireless and a source of great comfort. I will be forever in your debt.

A special mention of appreciation to Dean Paul Sherwin, whose humanity and integrity are shadowed only by his unparalleled gift of eloquent expression. I think I may be sending you an occasional paper from Georgetown for proofreading in the fall.

A well deserved thank you to the administration and staff of C.W. Post, whose daily contributions ensure the smooth operation of this our beautiful campus. We have all certainly encountered the extraordinary helpfulness of an academic advisor, departmental secretary, public safety officer, reference librarian and, yes, even a financial aid advisor or bursar clerk. To you all I extend the thanks of this graduating class. Joan Ruckel, thanks for your continued support, and Janet Baker, your many years of dedicated service to this institution, students and faculty should not go unmentioned - you will be deeply missed in your retirement.

While the foundation of our college education is complete today, we must never cease in our pursuit of truth and knowledge but rather continue to build upon the foundation that has been put into place. I would not argue that this is a simple or trouble-free venture, but as college graduates we comprise 25 percent of the United States' population and less than 3 percent of the world's population; with this special status comes a set of responsibilities that I urge us never to forget. We must challenge ourselves on this day of celebration and beginnings to make significant contributions in our respective fields, in the hopes of advancing us all to a better future. We must advocate positive and responsible developments on the local, national and international levels - for that is what education is all about, bettering the person to better the world, which is summed up nicely by Long Island University's own motto, "Urbi et Orbi," - which I choose to translate as follows, "for our community and the world beyond."

We dare not grow complacent in our achievement today, but must seek out innovative ways of addressing the challenges that our various professions will undoubtedly reveal to us in this new century. While America is the only superpower on the world stage today, we cannot afford to retreat into isolationism. America must remain actively engaged throughout the world to uphold the principles of freedom and democracy, for which this republic stands. At the same time, significant challenges abound on the domestic front. From redefining the educational processes in America; seeking out creative solutions to address threats to peace and democracy throughout the world; finding cures to diseases that continue to plague humanity; safeguarding the environment for future generations; and fighting for true equality for all members of our global community, challenges abound.

Choose an issue or goal that speaks to the core of your being and pursue it, for in the act of doing so, we may make good on our debt, our ethical responsibility and moral obligation to society. Always remember how you feel at this moment, for at this point everything is possible and nothing is beyond your reach. If you can envision it, you can do it! Congratulations Class of 2001!