(Hammond, IN) - Fall graduates at Purdue University Northwest just received their degrees, but it will not mark the end of impactful lessons for their budding careers.

 

Work experiences, unexpected upheavals in their personal lives, new relationships, and more will all likely be sources of unique learning opportunities that enhance what they gleaned as college students. That was the advice imparted by Indiana state representatives Harold Slager and Mike Andrade, who served as keynote speakers during morning and afternoon ceremonies on December 9th in Hammond.

 

“I have realized a variety of careers — four so far — and uncertainty and change has certainly been my path in life. We are the sum of our experiences, and those experiences along the way have guided me in my decision-making,” Slager said.

 

During his keynote, Slager recalled his own career, prior to becoming an elected official, in which he worked as a public accountant, sales representative, and real estate investor.

 

Each chapter produced several lessons such as do your role well and opportunities will present themselves; never underestimate the power of a smile and simple acts of kindness; and take time to provide undivided attention to people who want to be heard. 

 

Slager said these takeaways influenced his ability to be a state legislator who looks for compromise and respects the exchange of ideas.

 

“Learning never stops, and it is imperative to seek out alternative viewpoints or you miss the fun stuff,” he advised the graduates. “I am convinced, having worked with many young people in the Statehouse, that your generation can be the next greatest generation if you remember that diversity should include diversity of thought, free speech is not conditional and to make people feel like they are the most important in the world.”

 

Andrade recalled his first job at age 12 passing out pizza fliers and his father telling him, “Son, there will always be someone smarter than you, who has more money than you, and maybe more successful, but never let them outwork you.”

 

Andrade also told the graduates. “Never let anyone outwork you. Never say I am not good enough or am not qualified for the job. If you do, you let others define your value or your identity.”

 

PNW’s fall 2023 graduating class consists of 544 students earning baccalaureate degrees and 150 earning master’s degrees.