Henry Bloch shares message of hope with 2013 DC grads
On Saturday, May 11, the Donnelly College community gathered to celebrate the graduation of 42 DC students. Associate degrees were awarded to 31 candidates and 11 individuals received bachelor’s degrees. The pomp and circumstance of commencement exercises marked
these students’ passage to the ranks
of Donnelly’s distinguished alumni family.
Henry Bloch, co-founder and chairman emeritus of the board of H&R Block and benefactor of the Henry W. Bloch Scholars program, offered words of encouragement and sage advice to the graduating class.
these students’ passage to the ranks
of Donnelly’s distinguished alumni family.
Henry Bloch, co-founder and chairman emeritus of the board of H&R Block and benefactor of the Henry W. Bloch Scholars program, offered words of encouragement and sage advice to the graduating class.
EXCERPTS FROM HENRY’S SPEECH
First of all, you are taking away the ability to learn. Indeed, you have spent much of your life up to this day in the process of learning how to gain knowledge… at the same time, you know – probably better than I – that the frontiers of all knowledge have expanded so rapidly the information you now have can be obsolete or irrelevant in a very short time. The world has its injustices, but it also offers you tremendous opportunities. I believe in you and in your abilities. You now have the privilege and I suggest the challenge to accomplish something. | You will find that true success is not measured in what you take away… but in what you give… and paradoxically the more you give, the more you will take away. I envy you – because your turn is now at hand. As the retired chairman of a New York Stock Exchange company, I can tell you the view from the top is pleasant and satisfying in many ways. But I can also assure you that the never-to-be-forgotten excitement, fun and challenge is the climb to the top… and you all have that ahead of you. |
ENTIRE SPEECH