Good morning. This is an early commencement ceremony, and I knew it was going to be a packed house for today’s event.
Let me start by expressing my sincere and wholehearted congratulations to you and your loved ones. Today, we celebrate your monumental achievements here at UC Irvine. You have successfully demonstrated mastery of your programs and have earned your place here as a graduate. No matter what happens to you throughout the rest of your life, no one can take away what you have accomplished here today. This education, this experience, will always be with you
This class right here has shown remarkable resilience in the face of uncertainty. Many of you, undergraduates, likely missed out on the traditional pomp and circumstance of your senior year of high school because of the pandemic. There has been economic uncertainty, inflation, housing shortages…you name it. Now, we bear witness to the crisis in Gaza and the suffering of millions, a pain that we feel in our communities right here at home. In spite of all of these factors, which, individually, could have steered you off course, you have stood strong. You have demonstrated that you are the future of education. While many have turned away from service in these uncertain times, this group has leaned in. You say, “Bring on the challenge.”
Seeing you all here today, I can’t help but remember my time here at UC Irvine as a graduate student and as an employee at the Center For Educational Partnerships many years ago. While at UC Irvine, the late Dr. Juan Francisco Lara, who was the assistant vice chancellor of enrollment services and the late Dr. Michael Martinez, professor of education and my dissertation advisor. Both of these individuals were tremendous figures here, and their impact on me personally can’t be overstated.
Both were sincere and genuine when they talked to people, and I try to model myself after them and how you can connect with people. First take away, please continue to be sincere and genuine with to people regardless of how those individuals might treat you. We should always treat people the way you want to be treated.
When I worked at the Center for Educational Partnership, I watched on many occasions how Dr. Lara would build partnerships with K-12 districts, community colleges, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and the business community. He was able to have conversations with everyone and connect with them and then his follow up approach was amazing. After he met someone, he would follow up with a personal note or email. Then he would always make himself available to those individuals. What I learned from this was the importances of building and most importantly maintaining relationships. Second takeaway is, make sure personally and professionally, you are building authentic relationships and you are putting in the time to maintain those relationships. Just don’t call people or email them when you want something. Call and email them, just to check in on them. At the end of the day, relationships matter. So, value those relationships and work to maintain them.
While working on my dissertation, Dr. Martinez would proof everything and make sure I didn’t miss a citation, and he would make sure I paid attention to every detail of my research and my writing. Through this experience, my relationship with him went from dissertation advisor to mentor and mentee. Where I would just ask random questions and he would always answer them. Not knowing during this dissertation process, he had cancer. Not one time, did he miss a meeting or provide me with feedback. He was always there, and as I reflect on that experience, he valued our relationship.
Relationships are important.
Let me give you an example. June 7, is a significant day in the history of Compton College. If you don’t know the story, let me give you a cliff version of it. In 2006, Compton College was the first community college in the history of California to have its accreditation revoked. Which means they were not able to award degrees and certificates. We entered into a unique partnership with El Camino Community College District.
On June 7, 2017, Compton College achieved initial accreditation from the accrediting commissions and held its first commencement ceremony on June 7, 2018, and Compton College separated itself from El Camino College on June 7, 2019. Then, on June 7, 2024, at our commencement ceremony, Mr. Kendrick Lamar was our special guest. Having Mr. Lamar speak to our students was important because they worked so hard to achieve this accomplishment. For many of our students, this may be their first time graduating from something. This happened because one of my former students who participated in the UCI EAOP Program worked to make this happen. Again, relationships matter, but we have stayed in contact for close to 20 years.
So, I have given you two points:
- Please continue to be sincere and genuine.
- Make sure that personally and professionally, you are building authentic relationships and you are putting in the time to maintain those relationships.
I often talk about being an unapologetic leader; it’s not that I don’t listen to people but that I have no regrets or remorse for the decisions that I make. In addition, I know there will be individuals who may not support the decision I make or my stance on issues. However, my decisions are guided around student success and the need to support and advocate for our students. Third takeaway: I want everyone here today to know that the opposition will always be there in your professional career. But it’s your resilience, unapologetic stance, and steadfast belief in your vision and values that will carry you through. Surround yourself with people who will help make your vision a reality. If you can build bridges, do it. If you can’t, you can’t let them, as Kendrick Lamar would say, kill your vibe. No matter what you do, there will always be people who will say you’re not good enough. But remember, it’s your resilience that will prove them wrong.
As I prepare to take my seat, I wanted to share that on June 3, 2020, I had a pulmonary embolism, and my son Kamilo Ali Curry saved my life. I saw death, however it wasn’t my time. I charge you to enjoy every moment of your life and take care of yourself. Often times, we are so focused on our careers and forget that tomorrow is not promised. Make sure to tell your loved ones I love you. Figure out ways to spend more time with family and Friends. At the end of the day, what matters most is your day ones, and that’s your family and friends.
Thank you, Dr. Lara and Dr. Martinez; I know you are my angels watching over me. Without you, this unapologetic leader would not be here today, sharing insight with these graduates. The time you spent with me was so valuable and I am forever grateful to you.
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to provide this keynote address and I wish all the graduates the best of luck as you navigate your career and next steps.
ZOT