My name is Ryan. I am a doctoral graduate in Government Studies from the Faculty of Business and Law. It is a great honor to stand before you today, representing my fellow graduates and expressing our appreciation to the University of _____.
As a university teacher, I am used to speaking for three hours in class, but today, I have been given just three minutes to say thank you to everyone here who has supported us over the years. And honestly, this may be the toughest assignment of all—trying to put so much gratitude into just a few words.
On behalf of all the graduates, I would like to express our gratitude to this University for providing us with a strong platform to pursue academic and personal growth. A special note of appreciation goes to our Rector, Professor _____, and the Deans of all Faculties for their visionary leadership in raising the University’s standards in both research and teaching. We are also grateful to our professors for guiding us through this learning journey. On a personal note, I would like to thank my supervisor, Professor _____, for her advice and guidance. I am especially grateful to my mother for her love and care, and to my father whose memory continues to inspire me every single day.
Some of us began our studies during the COVID pandemic—a time filled with uncertainty, change, and challenges. We didn’t know what to expect, but we faced the unknown with resilience. We adapted and found new ways to learn, connect, and support each other here. We stayed focused and kept moving forward, driven by a shared commitment to grow and seek knowledge.
Looking back, those difficult times have passed, but the moments we experienced, the challenges we overcame, the friendships we built, and the lessons we learned, will always stay with us.
Looking ahead, we carry more than just our degrees. We carry resilience, adaptability, and the courage to face the future. We have prepared ourselves not only for the familiar paths of yesterday, but also for the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow. These qualities will guide us as we take the next steps in our lives—whether in academia, public service, business, or beyond.
As graduates of the University of _____, we are now part of a global network of scholars and professionals. Let us apply the knowledge, skills, and values we have acquired here to serve our communities, contribute to the greater good, and make a meaningful difference in the world around us.
I would like to conclude with a line from a poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, which has been a source of inspiration in my life: “To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.” This phrase is more than just a motto; it reminds us to persevere and keep moving forward, no matter what lies ahead. Today, as we begin the next chapter of our lives, let’s hold on to that spirit: keep searching, keep going, and remember not to give up.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025—we made it! May we continue to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield. Thank you.
(5 July 2025)
