Dear Class of 2022 Graduates,
Congratulations! You’ve likely heard similar sentiments from everyone around you and that’s for good reason.
The significance of this moment should not be understated in any way. You have endured demanding course loads, late-night study sessions, even those tearful times you simply did not see a way forward — all while dealing with challenges from your personal lives. Despite the circumstances, you showed up, you excelled and now, you will be celebrated!
Equipped with the knowledge and skills you received at Dallas College, you have established a solid foundation to build a better life for you, your families and ultimately, our entire community. Whether you are transferring to a four-year university or entering your desired career field, please understand that your story does not end here.
Today, you officially join an esteemed group of Dallas College alumni who once experienced this exact moment. Ask any of them and they are sure to tell you that now is when the real work begins. As challenges and difficulties arise in life – and trust me, they will — I ask that you remind yourself why you ultimately began this journey and why giving up now is not an option. There’s a saying I hope you will carry with you wherever life takes you next: “Try and fail, but never fail to try.”
I’m confident that your time with us has also been filled with care and compassion. The guiding mission of Dallas College is to ensure students like you are well-positioned for success every step of the way. And the best part is the level of support you’ve come to expect from Dallas College does not end once you cross the graduation stage – it’s lifelong. I encourage you to keep us updated on your latest career and life achievements and be of service through the Dallas College Alumni Association to the students who will one day follow in your footsteps.
As I’ve said, today we are celebrating much more than the degree you will receive. We are celebrating the times you refused to give up, the times you pushed yourself to go a bit harder, the times you stepped out of your comfort zone and embraced a new experience. Each of those moments has helped shape the person you are today, and I could not be more excited to witness the exceptional impact you’ll have on our community.
On behalf of our Board of Trustees and the entire Dallas College family, congratulations and job well done!
Best,
Justin H. Lonon
Chancellor, Dallas College