Faculty Address
April 28, 2003 Commencement
by
Mohammed K. Farouk, Ed.D.
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
College of Education
Thank you President Maidique.
I am deeply honored to deliver the faculty address to the graduating class of 2003. On behalf of the faculty, I congratulate you for your achievement that has culminated in your graduation today from Florida International University. This day represents a new beginning in your life journey. We hope you will leave FIU with the knowledge and skills that you have acquired to make a difference in the world. A well-rounded education would include the development of certain beliefs and values.
As you embark on your journey in your various professions, I implore you to apply the value of respect in your life. Respect entails showing regard for the worth and dignity of someone or something, being courteous and polite, and judging all people on their merit. You need to have respect for yourself, respect for other people, and respect for all forms of life and the environment.
Another important value is responsibility. Responsibility means thinking before you act, being accountable for your actions, paying attention to others and responding to their needs. Responsibility emphasizes our obligation to care for each other.
It is important that you apply the knowledge and skills that you have acquired at FIU with integrity. This requires being ethical and applying your knowledge with competence. Each of your professions requires a code of conduct. It is your responsibility to uphold the ethical principles embodied in those documents in your daily life.
We live in an increasingly interconnected, yet diverse global society. As global citizens, you have rights in your local communities, nation, and at the global level. You also have responsibilities at these levels. You must use your right to vote wisely; you must be an informed loyal citizen; you must stand against oppression and injustice wherever they exist; you must get involved in civil society with a deep commitment to improving the welfare of all.
We hope that you will also apply the principles of cooperation, collaboration, and peaceful resolution of conflicts in your lives. Working together toward goals is as basic as human survival in an increasingly diverse and interdependent world. We must collaborate with one another in our pursuit of truth, liberty, justice, peace, and happiness for all. No one person can do it alone. You must cultivate the habit of resolving conflicts through peaceful means at the individual, social, national, and international levels. This is the only way we can achieve our goals without destroying relationships or even entire societies. Today, as our nation – and indeed the whole world - finds itself in a time of crisis, we count on you – tomorrow’s leaders - to build a better world.
We hope you will continue your pursuit of excellence throughout your life, which is the main reason that you chose to study at FIU in the first place. We hope you will always remember and cherish your experiences at FIU, so much so that you will once again, come back for your advanced degrees at this fine institution. We look forward to seeing you in our classrooms and laboratories again and receiving your checks in support of your alma mater.
Finally, we the faculty salute you for your accomplishments and wish you success in a more peaceful world.