PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (May 13, 2024) – Prairie View A&M University held its 142nd Spring Commencement Convocation on May 10-11, 2024. With a turnout exceeding 10,000 attendees, the festivities occurred at the William “Billy” J. Nicks, Sr. Building, spanning three ceremonies on Friday and Saturday. The event honored graduates from PVAMU’s 11 colleges and schools.
A total of 918 graduates were recognized, comprising 770 recipients of bachelor’s degrees, 134 recipients of graduate degrees, and 14 recipients of doctorate degrees.
PVAMU President Tomikia P. LeGrande delivered the keynote address to the graduate students, while Phil Griffith, vice president of United Airline’s Houston hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), delivered the keynote address to the undergraduate students.
Here are Griffith’s remarks as prepared.
I’d like to start with a big thank you to Dr. LeGrande, the educators and staff of Prairie View A&M University and all the family members of today’s graduates for this opportunity to be your commencement speaker.
Rest assured, I know my assignment. Today is all about you, the graduates. I hope you take today’s recognition, motivation, and guidance as fuel for all your future endeavors.
It was a huge surprise to receive this invitation, and I’m grateful for this opportunity.
You and your families have many reasons to be proud of today’s achievement. You’ve stayed on track to your goals and through the ups and downs, step by step; guess what…you’re here! The Spring 2024 graduating class of Prairie View A&M University.
I’m very happy for you all.
Take a moment to think about how much you’ve changed and how much you’ve grown. You walk, talk, and think differently from when you started here. You’ve learned responsibility and independence. You have stronger opinions on what’s right and what’s wrong.
When I left Pomona, California, for Grambling, Louisiana, I needed to find my way forward.
I was pushed, encouraged, challenged, inspired, supported, and, yes…given second chances. With each passing year, my confidence grew.
My undergraduate years were spent in the right place for me…a place where I felt like I was somebody.
Beyond obtaining a great education, I saw examples of class, style, intellect, camaraderie, and potential.
THIS I KNOW FOR SURE…My HBCU education was ABSOLUTELY GOOD ENOUGH to prepare me to compete.
Prairie View A&M has a rich history of graduates who have done that on the highest levels. You have now joined the ranks of the next generation of leaders to build on this tradition.
Over time, your many notable alumni have had great success, and you are all well positioned to add to this legacy.
I can see it now…many of you will go on to do incredible things as entrepreneurs and in business, education, medicine, law, politics, and the arts.
For some, you already have great examples of the careers and lives you want.
Others of you will develop that vision along the way…either way, I know your futures are bright, and your future wins are waiting for you.
I could not wait to get started on my journey, which is in its 36th year. I’ve worked on five continents and used my supply chain-based expertise as a leader in many industries.
Today, I apply everything that I’ve learned along the way in airport operations at one of the world’s largest and most dynamic airports.
The one thing that’s been consistent in every experience is this…THE WORK, THE CHALLENGES, AND THE WAYS I WOULD SPEND MY TIME WAS ALWAYS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT I THOUGHT ON DAY #1. This has challenged me to be flexible in applying my skills in a relevant way.
The headwinds I’ve faced have only become more complicated over time, and yes, you will be expected to chart a path to success through the ever-changing landscapes of whatever you choose to do.
Sometimes, these headwinds are logical…building teams, advancing technology, regulatory compliance…all solvable.
There will also be issues you could never predict…global pandemics, shifting political and social norms, and unforeseen competition.
Through it all, you will be judged on your ability to envision WHAT TO DO to weather storms and execute your plans for getting things done.
As you progress, you’ll be asked by many people…mostly those who are beginning new journeys in life, how do you do it? How do you make it all work? How can they be successful?
So, today, I’ll share my views on five things to keep in mind as you go forth into this big, beautiful and complicated world.
- Build your teams!
Look around you…many of your fellow graduates will be with you for a lifetime. They will parallel your journeys in life, and your paths will cross many times. They will build you up and expose you to much more than you can see on your own…your SQUAD will infinitely increase your problem-solving capacity. Develop the next generation of talent. Expose them to what’s going on behind the scenes. Through you, they will see their potential. Give to your team twice as much as you take. This is an investment that will pay out when you least expect it to. Nothing makes me feel better than someone sharing how I changed their life because of the guidance, opportunities and experiences I’ve given them.
- Know who you are!
Be ok with being the only one! Even if you are different from everyone else in the room, you must be an asset to the team. Someone must be the first…why can’t it be you? Be self-aware of your strengths and development opportunities. Be humble to build on your strengths and correct your flaws. Don’t let your failures define you. Learn from them and keep moving forward. Franklin D. Roosevelt summed it up well when he said, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” Be present for your families. Be where you need to be for them…and don’t be late. They’re proud of you, and they need you. Take care of yourself. Your physical and mental health is important…pay attention to it…protect it!
- Find your mentors…they will come from a broad range of places.
Don’t discriminate, and don’t be shy. My first mentor was the smartest, most polished, and most disciplined guy I’d ever seen. I wanted to grow into the professional that he was. Lucky me…he liked me too and became the sponsor for my first big break. It’s ok to emulate behaviors and styles from people you admire…steal shamelessly. Ultimately, you will evolve into a unique and more capable version of yourself.
- Plan your careers…don’t chase titles!
Be realistic about the jobs you want vs. your ability to commit to them. Stick around through the cycles of your roles. That’s how you build real expertise. It’s ok to say no to jobs that don’t align with your plans. Focus on the roles that point to your goals. When you build a strong brand, the big opportunities eventually pursue you.
- Innovate and persevere!
Apply what you know to new challenges. Take risks to generate new outcomes. Be the solution…be All IN on getting to the goal. Trust your point of view…stick with your vision. Don’t give up…don’t quit!
You are the next generation of leaders the world needs to make a difference. Lean into this challenge with confidence and energy. We need you!
In conclusion, I would like to make an announcement:
This is your VP of Airport Operations (and EVERYONE who’s helped you to get here today) speaking.
Welcome to flight 2024 from Prairie View, Texas, with non-stop service to all your futures.
Exit doors are here whenever you need a reset or bring others onto your flight.
There will be many moments of turbulence on your journeys, and you won’t be able to travel at the same speed.
Because of your unstoppable potential and thorough preparation, you are equipped to put out any fire.
Please ensure that your seat belts are secure.
Your teams, character, mentors, career plans, and perseverance will see you through to safe and prosperous landings.
I hope you all enjoy the rides.
The world awaits you; I’m confident you will all have on-time arrivals.
Congratulations Prairie View A&M University Class of 2024…You did it!
-PVAMU-