2012 Full-Time, Part-Time and PhD Convocation

6/19/2012 - NAACP chairman Roslyn Brock ’99 took the microphone June 15 and offered a heartfelt challenge to the more than 900 graduating Kellogg students.

“Class of 2012,” Brock said, “it’s your time now. You’re going somewhere; don’t stop now.”

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Brief and candid, Brock’s convocation address underscored the celebratory and optimistic, yet daring tone of Kellogg’s 2012 Convocation Ceremony for graduates of Kellogg’s Full-Time, Part-Time and PhD programs.

Embracing Kellogg’s lessons
Brock, who ascended the NAACP’s ranks over 25 years before becoming its youngest-ever chairperson in February 2010, credited Kellogg with cultivating principles she could draw upon daily, including an appreciation for inquiry and professional integrity.

“As game changers, be prepared to stand in the midst of chaos and uncertainty to bring calm and clarity,” Brock told graduates.

From unemployment to economic crises, Brock rattled off a list of challenges facing today’s business professionals and urged Kellogg graduates to embrace courage while thinking “bravely and passionately” to achieve world-changing impact. She further encouraged graduates to give to a world in need.

“Service to others is truly the rent you pay for the space you occupy,” Brock said.

Celebration and reflection
In her remarks to graduates, Dean Sally Blount ’92 expressed hope that the graduates would inject the Kellogg hallmarks of vision, collaboration and leadership into a world of possibilities.

“You’re well prepared to lead in this century,” Blount assured, later welcoming graduates into Kellogg’s global alumni community of more than 54,000.

Associate Professor of Management and Strategy Niko Matouschek, the 2012 L.G. Lavengood Professor of the Year, implored graduates to reject complacency and embrace improvement.

“The realization that you can always do better will motivate you to do so,” he said.

And in a touching moment characteristic of Kellogg’s close-knit culture, Kellogg bestowed a posthumous degree to Jonathan Tvedt.

The 27-year-old Seattle native died on June 5, 2011, just days after completing his first year in Kellogg’s two-year program. Tvedt’s sister, Jennifer, accepted the degree on his behalf.

Kellogg’s Full-Time Student Association President Brian Van Wagener recognized Tvedt in his remarks to classmates, urging all graduates to “enjoy the moments we have with each other.”


Further reading

• Roslyn M. Brock '99: Leading the fight for equal opportunity and quality healthcare for all
  
• 2012 Executive MBA Convocation