Miles C. Collier, Chairman of the Eckerd College Board of Trustees

President Eastman; Dean Stewart; Dean Annarelli; Ms. Earle; honorary degree recipients Dr. Brunnenkant and Mr. Osher; distinguished faculty, families, and guests, and Graduates of the Class of 2012:

Yesterday afternoon, on the recommendation of the faculty, the Board of Trustees granted the awarding of 541 bachelor's degrees to individuals who have earned their place in the Eckerd College community of scholars.

No other action that is required of the Board of Trustees brings as much pleasure and reward as the granting of degrees each May.

Here are several more compelling statistics to ponder.

• Based on results in their 2010 study, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that men and women hold an average of about 14 jobs by the time they turn 40. The median number of years that wage and salary workers had been with their current employer was 4.4.
• At the conclusion of this academic year, three professors and one vice president at Eckerd College will be retiring. Their combined service to Eckerd College exceeds 127 years, a median of 32.5 years.
• Fourteen alumni of Eckerd College serve on our Board of Trustees. Seven of those Trustees enrolled at Eckerd College in the 1960s; one was a member of the founding class in 1960; they have been faithful to Eckerd - their beloved alma mater - for plus or minus 50 years.
• Our retiring faculty and vice president and our alumni and trustees found this at Eckerd College: A setting where they could unleash their passion for teaching and learning; and an institution worthy of their loyalty.

With those as examples and with our honorary degree recipients as models, graduates, we wish for you, too, successful careers and lives that nurture your passions in places, like Eckerd, that earn your loyalty as employees however long you stay and as faithful supporters as long as you are able.

Best wishes and congratulations, graduates of the Class of 2012!