Mayor Moncrief remarks

Fort Worth, TX

5/8/2010

Thank you Chancellor Boschini for this honor; and thanks to all the faculty, staff, graduates, parents and loved ones who are here with us to witness this very special occasion.

 

The last time I was here with Rosie was for the graduation of our son — years ago.

 

As the students know, TCU is celebrating a Century of Partnership — its 100^th year here in Fort Worth. What a proud milestone this is not only for this University, but for our entire community!

 

I know that 100 years seems like a long time. Sitting in those seats, it seems like forever from now. Standing up here today, let me tell you, it is not.

 

In the grand scheme of things, in a world eons old, 100 years is the blink of an eye. And still, so much can happen in that “blink.” Think about how far this school, this city, and this world we live in have come in just 100 years.

 

One hundred years ago, a fire at its campus in Waco left TCU looking for a new home. Thankfully it found one here.

 

Yes, it had some humble beginnings in Fort Worth, with only a handful of modest buildings and grounds near the Tarrant County Courthouse. But, a century later, with state of the art facilities and a renowned faculty, the sky is the limit!

 

As for Fort Worth, 100 years ago, we were a little town — a mere 73,000 lived here. Today, nearly 10 times that number live here — unfortunately, you can find most of them sitting on I-30 or I-35 at rush hour. We’re working on that…

 

Nevertheless, Fort Worth remains one of the fastest growing and safest cities in the nation. The treasures of this great and powerful city are far too many to mention today.

 

But the fact is; just a century ago, the breadth and depth of what we did not know and where we had not gone could fill the Grand Canyon — 100 times over.

 

And yet, in that short amount of time, we’ve sprinted headlong past challenges that once left us grasping for answers…Past the seemingly impossible and inconceivable. We’ve reached a point where the questions we face are not “how?” but “why not?”

 

The things we do today would have had our fathers’ fathers shaking their heads in wonder. We can travel the globe with a click of a mouse. We’ve gone from splitting rails to splitting atoms … from splicing fence lines to splicing genes … from writing songs about the moon to standing on it.

 

That kind of progress is the product of education, dedication, and hard work. It is borne of a people who are not satisfied with merely surviving, but thriving. It comes from those who seek out the challenges of their times, not those who shy away from what will challenge them.

 

Facing those challenges — and working to improve our world — is the backbone of progress. Those hard-earned steps forward are what define generations. As the baton is passed today, you have some big shoes to fill.

 

Before I share some parting wisdom, let me first to congratulate you.

 

The people of Fort Worth are very proud of you and your accomplishments. It’s difficult to put into words just how proud this city is of you and our TCU Horned Frogs.

 

Last fall, our Mountain West Conference champion TCU football team truly raised this city’s spirit in a way that I have not seen for some time. It’s was electrifying. It was magnetic. It brought this city together around something we could be proud of.

 

Yes, the football was great. But, those players — some of whom are graduating here today — and coaches represented each and every one of you. They represented us. They represented Fort Worth.

 

Thanks to Coach Patterson and his players, a fire has been ignited. It’s a legacy that won’t soon be forgotten.

 

So let me just say: GO FROGS!!!

Now that I’ve got that out of my system …

 

Graduates: This distinguished University has given you the tools to succeed. The question now is, of course, what are you going to do with them?

 

There’s been a lot of cold pizza…a lot of all-nighters…probably a few missed assignments along with the inevitable drive-by butt chewin’s by those less sympathetic professors.

 

However, you’ve worked hard. You did your best, and that’s what matters. Not everyone can graduate Magna Cum Laude. I know I didn’t. … But you all leave with a piece of paper and hopefully a little direction.

 

While a degree in your field does not guarantee where you’ll end up, it’s an important means to an end. I speak from experience. I would be willing to bet most of you will land in a different field than the one listed on your degree. Careers change people’s direction in life, and it can happen quickly.

 

But ultimately, that degree tells an employer you are qualified to learn, regardless of the field because you are now an educated college graduate.

 

Today, with this degree, you close a chapter on a very special portion of your life. If you don’t believe me, just ask your proud and teary-eyed mothers, fathers, and grandparents here today. Let’s ask them! Those of you hear today: Are you proud of your son, your daughter, your grandchild, your brother or sister?

 

If so, let me hear you!!!

 

As you leave this ceremony, you do so with a new beginning. Just as a west Texas thunderstorm washes the sweeping plains a-new, today the slate has been washed clean for you.

 

Yes, it is an ending. But right in front of you stands a new beginning that will be more remarkable, more rewarding, and — at times — more dangerous and challenging than anything you’ve experienced to this point.

 

No matter how you look at it, it’s there. And it’s ready for the taking. Are you ready?

 

As I put on this cap and gown today, I thought of how long it’s been since I’ve worn one.

 

It was probably far before many of you were born, I’m sure. It was a simpler time, and I reminisce to my days at Tarleton State University.

 

I should tell you that my college journey began right here at TCU. I was very proud to be a pledge for Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Let me tell you, no one could wash more cars, shine more shoes, or drink more beer than me. But a wonderful student, I was not.

 

Eventually, I arrived at Tarleton seeking a major in agriculture. I remember at one point meeting with the dean of the department at the time. And do you know what that sourpuss did? Well, he voted me “Most unlikely to succeed!”

 

I’ll have to say that he was right in some respect. Agriculture wasn’t for me anyway…

 

Fortunately, today I am able to hold my head up high. I have the love of my life, Rosie, by my side. We have been blessed wonderful children and grandchildren — even a great grandson! We have a successful business, and I’m blessed with an opportunity to do what I love — serving the people of this great city.

 

That is my passion.

 

Finding that passion sometimes takes time. And your education certainly provides a path to help you find that trail.

 

But the fact is, young people, many of you won’t step into a classroom again. That is, until your precious children stand warily as they look back at you from the steps of the school house.

 

This is it, folks. Now, it’s time to prove yourself. It won’t be easy. Nothing is.

 

But, if you’ll allow me, I’d like to share a few life lessons that have favored me during my life’s journey …

 

Success in the classroom doesn’t always translate into success in life.

 

Only a strong will, guts, hard work, determination, and perseverance make the difference between success and failure.

 

Those who finally succeed are those who are able to fail, yet have the fortitude to pick themselves up, roll back their sleeves, and try again and again.

 

Success is measured by the manner in which you apply yourself. Don’t forget that.

 

As the great Vince Lombardi put it, “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.”

 

Believe in yourself, and have confidence in your strengths.

 

If you don’t have 100 percent confidence in yourself, no one else will either.

 

Have the confidence to try something that’s never been done before. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember: Noah had never built an Ark, but it was a large group of professionals that built the Titanic.

 

Friends, with confidence in a vision or idea, and with God by your side, nothing is impossible — nothing!

 

Your journey begins today. It will take many of you farther and higher than I’ve ever been. Challenges will come, but they will only give you the strength to overcome so much more than any of us.

 

Find your passion. Find what it is in this world that gives you meaning.

 

This charges your battery.

 

I sincerely hope that your life goal is not simply to make a living. Let me be the first to tell you, ladies and gentlemen, you are here to enrich the world!

 

It may be difficult to believe at this moment, but each one of you has an important role to play in life and on this small planet.

 

Maybe it’s a greener, safer earth … or building better cities … or bringing nations closer together … or finding lifesaving cures for today’s toughest diseases. No matter what your role is — find it, and don’t let anything or anyone get in your way.

 

It’s amazing, in the game of life, how many people choose the bleacher seats. And, boy, from their perspective, those opportunities always look much bigger going than coming.

 

But seeing the sparks in your eyes, I know you’re not going to be standing along the sidelines. So start today by surrounding yourself with good, smart people. Chart your course and move swiftly. It’s been said that “The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.”

 

Opportunities are being grasped at breakneck speed. I know it’s difficult for you to grasp at this point in your young life, but time waits for no one.

 

As the common phrase goes, “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift.” If you think a millisecond doesn’t mean anything, just ask an Olympic silver medalist.

 

It was said once that, “The deepest personal defeat suffered by human beings is constituted by the difference between what one was capable of becoming, and what one has, in fact, become.”

 

Think about that… 

 

Never forget from whence you came.

 

No doubt, many of you will grow to be important people. But, let me tell you, no one gets anywhere without help. If you see a turtle sitting on top of a fence post, chances are he didn’t get up there all by himself — he had some help!

 

Don’t forget those who helped you along the way. Always show grace to them and others around you.

 

Most of all, give back.

 

President Calvin Coolidge rightly point out that, “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.”

 

During your rise to the top, take the time to reach out and grab the hand of an outstretched arm. Those are the transactions — albeit, too few today — with the power to change the world.

 

The very depths of your spirit will be nourished every time you offer love and grace to someone else.

 

One good deed has the power to leave a far larger impression in this small world than any length of talking or any amount of money.

 

Give back to your community. Give back to your country. Think of others first. Help those in need.

 

Most of all, forgive. Forgiving always nourishes your spirit and grows you as an individual.

 

Always do the right things for the right reasons.

 

If you do this, never be afraid of failure.

 

That’s not to say that you won’t be met with setbacks, because you will. But with every door that closes, another one opens.

 

Have faith in your journey and surround yourself with people who support you. In fact, surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. They will lift you up. They will challenge you. They will help you reach your outer limits.

 

There’s nothing more rewarding than that.

 

Finally, don’t take yourself too seriously.

 

Have fun and enjoy the life journey ahead. It’s shorter than you can ever imagine.

 

Treasure every moment. Laugh. Sing like nobody is watching. Look for and find the best in everyone.

 

And when you start to look like you driver’s license photo, it’s time to get away. Take a vacation. Head straight home and wrap your arms around your loved ones. Never confuse your career with your life. You have to recharge, or you won’t survive.

 

Even worse, you may even miss your ultimate destiny — a destiny which all of you hold in your heart.

 

Book knowledge is good, but life and heart knowledge — now that’s something special. You build this knowledge through experience. And be sure to pass on this experience to anyone who will listen, even though many won’t.

 

Now, back to that clean slate. Today, life is like a blank check.

 

You know, as we celebrate Texas Christian University’s centennial in Fort Worth, my question to you is this: What will define your generation? What challenges await you? More importantly, what challenges will you accept? What world will you leave for your children, and your children’s children, 100 years from now?

 

Not so long ago, the eradication of smallpox was considered the single greatest humanitarian achievement of the 20^th century. Surely, with the great advancements in research and medicine, we can test those boundaries again. Will your generation cure cancer, or AIDS?

 

What innovations will you bring to change the world? Once, a single computer system filled an entire room, and only the largest and wealthiest of corporations had them. Today, most of you have stronger computers in your back pocket. Never before has so much information been so readily available, so quickly, for so many. How will you use this advantage to make our world a better place?

 

What social change will you bring about? What will be your civil rights movement? Will it be the end of homelessness? Wiping out hunger?

 

No doubt, none of that is on your mind today. You just want to get up here, get this rolled up piece of paper and get the hell out of here. But in the coming weeks promise me this: Find that passion, make a plan, and clearly chart your course.

 

If you do this, you will hold the power to be the change you want to see in this world!

 

You’re here today because of your hard work, and the hard work and sacrifice of your parents, too, I am sure. Today, you begin the first steps in a future you have earned through your diligence and determination.

 

But, you also have been given a gift, the kind of education and opportunity that too few enjoy.

 

Yes, there are challenges awaiting you — we see them in a variety of forms every day — but the avenues available to you today are unprecedented!

 

If you remember nothing else from today, remember this: You are limited only by your imagination!

 

Friends, life is not what it is supposed to be. Life is not fair. Life is what it is. We cannot buy time; it is a gift from God. Use your time on this earth wisely.

 

Take chances.

 

Overcome challenges.

 

Grasp opportunities.

 

Live with humor, with love, and with forgiveness.

 

Face the rough and the smooth alike, because each will surely come.

 

Finally, I leave you with a thought from a very brave woman named Harriet Tubman. She said, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

 

Congratulations, and God bless you.