student-gets-diploma1I gave the Graduation Commencement Speaker at Southern New Hampshire University’s International Program of their Graduate School of Community Economic Development today. The students are practitioners from around the world who already have made significant contributions to development efforts in many nations. With the Masters of Science in International Community Economic Development they received at this degree ceremony, they will leverage their ability to achieve even greater accomplishments. After an excerpt of my remarks, also watch video clips of graduate speeches.  Also post your comments about successful economic development efforts, whether by corporations, governments or NGOs. Keeping with the spirit of international cooperation fostered in this graduate program, rather than choosing a single student to make commencement remarks, a group did a “Unity in Diversity” presentation. These videos are of students from Cameroon, Colombia, the US, Brazil, the Philippines and Ghana. Beyond the countries they hail from, these students are doing work in Guatemala, Mexico and other countries. I posted clips of all the students who spoke as this will be the only way their family and friends around the world can see what they said at this graduation ceremony.











{ 10 comments… add one }
  • Ally July 3, 2009, 9:33 pm

    Dear Nadine,

    Thank you so much again for gracing us all at the school of CED with such a tremendous and heartfelt speech. My entire family who came to the ceremony were deeply moved by your message of quiet determination and achievement. You are truly an inspiration to us all and my only regret is that I was not a student when you gave your last class at SNHU during the MDI institute! I wish you and your husband a safe journey home or wherever you may go, and on behalf of my classmates, we are deeply honored by your visit.

    Heartfelt Gratitude and Wishes,
    Ally Snell

    Reply
  • Wadzanai Katsande July 4, 2009, 6:01 am

    Hi Nadine

    What a wonderful tribute to development practicioners all over the world. May their voices grow in volume and power so much so that we eradicate poverty

    Wadzanai Katsande

    Reply
  • Jean Blaise Nkonga July 4, 2009, 11:31 pm

    Dear Nadine,
    I don’t think that we would have had better Speech that the one that you delivered at the time of our Commencement ceremony.
    It is important to know that at the commencement of all things, we can count on one of the biggest wealth of the world, that are connections we can have.
    We were more than honored to have you as the Speaker and we know how to be able to count you among numerous connections that we can have.
    Once again, a big Thanks for the inspirational Speech.
    Warm regards

    Jean Blaise Nkonga

    Reply
  • Chuck Hotchkiss, Dean, SCED July 6, 2009, 10:37 am

    Dear Nadine,
    I should’ve known you would succeed in making an extraordinarily moving graduation ceremony even more meaningful and personal for our students—as well as “walking the walk” of your graduation speech! Thanks for taking the time for both the graduation speech and all of the follow-up activity. We enjoyed having you here and hope you will come back and visit us—in our new facilities!—soon.
    Gratefully,
    Chuck

    Charles M. Hotchkiss, Ph.D., Dean
    School of Community Economic Development
    Southern New Hampshire University
    2500 North River Road
    Manchester, New Hampshire 03106
    603-644-3181
    c.hotchkiss@snhu.edu

    Reply
  • Catherine Rielly July 8, 2009, 9:02 am

    Dear Nadine,

    What a privilege it was to listen to your transformative speech. I have no doubt that the graduates will invoke your words throughout their lives as a source of courage and inspiration to “make the miraculous happen” –against the toughest odds. Your passionate belief in the power of the human spirit will echo in our minds for years to come.

    With respect and admiration,

    Catherine

    Professor Catherine Rielly, Ph.D.
    International Academic Program Chair
    School of Community Economic Development
    Southern New Hampshire University

    Reply
  • Gregg Donovan July 12, 2009, 6:05 pm

    Dear Nadine,
    I would like to add to the chorus of thanks for your efforts in attending and speaking at the commencement. The additional efforts to facilitate the sharing of the ceremony itself with others in our professional and personal lives via your website is particularly appreciated, and certainly reinforces the message you delivered that day. Thanks again for your support of our graduating class, and best regards to you…
    Gregg

    Reply
  • Jeanne Browne (MizB) July 12, 2009, 8:11 pm

    I took a good, long look at your site this evening, and chose this post to comment on, because I was so impressed with the things you said. I don’t think one can ever say too often, especially to young people, how much power they have to make a positive difference, and, how much “social activism” is built on interpersonal relationships (your college roommate today may be a governor tomorrow!). I also enjoyed the other posts, including your comments in the Obama docu and your review of CNN’s upcoming/latest special on Black America. Nadine, I know how hard you work and how much it takes out of you to do it (changing the world is exhausting, isn’t it?). But as an old friend, colleague, and comrade in assorted causes over the years, I can personally attest to how effective you’ve been on a number of key frontlines, how sensible AND profound your counsel can be, and how, interestingly and importantly, your own relationships and achievements have made you more humble, rather than grandiose — a trap that has caught many an activist, sorry to say. And now you’re in London hobnobbing with Sarah Brown — I’m not sure toward what end, but I do know that whatever project/event you were invited to participate in will be the better for your presence. Looking forward to continuing to read your blog and learning more about your latest adventures for change. With much love & respect, Jeanne

    Reply
  • Dick Patterson August 1, 2009, 1:37 pm

    Dear Nadine,

    I learned of Corazon Aquino’s passing just a few hours ago. I immediately thought of you. Thank-you for your presence, words, encouragement, and praise that you so graciously shared with us at our graduation a month ago. Through them you befriended us; and incredibly, placed us all within just 2, not 6, degrees of separation from your friend Cory. As your friend, her passing saddens me because it saddens you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

    All my best, Dick

    Reply
    • Nadine Hack August 2, 2009, 11:32 pm

      Dick – Thank you for your kind words and your lovely note. I plan to post an entry about Cory Aquino and some of my extraordinary experiences working with her. For now, I have just passed on my wishes to her family. – Nadine

      Reply
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