“Go out, and in your own way, live up to the promise of the great American heroes of the past,” Mayor Michael Hancock told graduates at Saturday’s undergraduate Commencement ceremony. Photo: Wayne Armstrong
At Saturday’s undergraduate Commencement ceremony, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock called upon the Class of 2013 to go forth and change the world.
“America is counting on you,” Hancock told the graduates at the ceremony in Magness Arena. “This nation yearns for new American heroes. We live in a world that is changing minute by minute. New innovations drive the endless pace of expectation. And increased connectivity makes our world smaller and more competitive. It is your civic obligation to be able to compete in this new world.
“We count on you to pick up the torch of the trailblazers that came before you,” Hancock continued. “To drive our economy forward, to be ready to discover that new vaccine that will alleviate suffering or to shepherd that deal that will lead to new and lasting peace.”
Hancock’s speech came after opening remarks by Chancellor Robert Coombe and a short speech by graduating senior and student body vice president Parker Calbert, who recalled her work on the 2012 presidential debate.
Hancock finished his speech by urging new graduates to use their unique talents to help create a better world.
“My charge to you is simply this: Go out, and in your own way, live up to the promise of the great American heroes of the past and work however you choose to do so to make this a better world,” he said. “Be the teacher in the Bronx or Denver or East Los Angeles who spends nights helping the next generation learn to read. It will make this a better world. Be the person who joins a nonprofit that advocates for clean water or fair elections. It will make this world a better place.”