2023 Commencement Message Video Description and Transcript

Video Descriptions:

Text: A message to the Graduating Class of 2023. Marty Meehan, University of Massachusetts President. UMass logo. Marty Meehan sitting in UMass Presidnt’s Office. Text: Marty Meehan, UMass President. A diverse montage of students receiving their diplomas at commencement ceremony with classmates, family, and friends. Image of Marty Meehan when he started at UMass Lowell. Image of students recycling, and students with voter registration table. Text: Congratulations UMass Class of 2023! Marty Meehan, University of Massachusetts President. UMass logo, Text: University of Massachusetts www.massachusetts.edu/support-umass

Transcript:

Graduation is a special moment. It's the moment that you, the members of the Class of 2023, have worked so hard for. It's special to your family and friends and to The University of Massachusetts. We exists to transform dreams into reality. You did not arrive here by  chance. You established a goal and developed a plan. And you recognized that UMass our Commonwealth's  great public research university would forge your path. I began my college career at  UMass Lowell in 1974 nearly 50 years ago. Not to spoil the moment, but let me  tell you 50 years passes quickly. So some advice. Just as you charted a course  to get to this day, make your plans to reach your next milestone and stick to them. Given that  you're UMass graduates I'm guessing that your aspirations include working for a better world and  for a better, brighter future for your communities. Don't let anybody step on your dreams. When  you're fighting for justice, for the planet, for human rights, don't take no for an answer. Reach as  high as you can. And along the way, no matter what challenges you encounter, be kind. Remember that  life isn't always kind to others. My wish for you is that UMass changes your life as profoundly as  it has changed mine over the last half a century. Members of the UMass Class of 2023, we believe in  you and we are counting on you. Congratulations.