Alumni Remarks
WESTCHESTER AWARDS CEREMONY
Alumni Remarks given by Lynne Marino (MS/IS' 92)
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| Lynne Marino Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch |
I wanted to speak to you today because you are the new lifeblood of Pace University! You are at the top of your game and top of your class. You've all have worked hard and deserve to celebrate!
We live in a world where CHANGE IS OPPORTUNITY . The average person sees eight careers in one lifetime. Some of you are on career number one while others, like me, may be on career number five and beyond.
You are entering into another stage of your life's journey. John Spooner, author of the book, "Sex & Money ", says there are three ways you can differentiate yourself from other graduates, job seekers and employees.
Here's how you can stand out from the others:
- Stay in touch with the past
- Make yourself memorable
- Have something to trade
#1. Stay in touch with the past
Think back on the faculty and staff who've help pave the way for your success. They are your mentors. You built strong and lasting relationships with them. They helped build your self-esteem and confidence.
Dr. Frank LoSacco was a mentor to me as well as hundreds of others. Although Frank was a brilliant physicist, it was his compassion toward others that made him unique. Frank made sure that you felt special; that you were the ONLY person who mattered when he counseled you. His mentorship gave me the confidence to complete my degree at Pace.
Be sure to reach out and thank your mentors. Don't just send them an email or a text message. Pick up the phone and call them. In fact, if they're in the room today, seek them out and thank them. A handwritten note conveying how they made a difference in your life can keep a professor going for another generation of students.
Also, keep in touch with your mentors. They will continue be a sounding board as you face new challenges. Remember, they can provide you with a perspective that is different from your family, friends and colleagues.
#2. Make yourself memorable
A former employee of mine at IBM worked with me as we rolled out IBM 's first global Internet. These young men and women were on the bleeding edge of IP technology; Although Peter was a good employee, he always seemed conflicted about working for IBM . His father started with IBM right out of school and so Peter followed in his footsteps. I encouraged Peter to find his true calling and that he didn't have to be just like his father. Peter left IBM two years later, moved to Seattle and built a thriving psychology practice. In the meantime, his technical skills enabled him to begin developing Web sites for other therapists. He's recently launched his second business: TheGoogleGuy.com - is that memorable? He gets therapists Web sites noticed. If you remember nothing else from my speech today, you'll remember "thegoogleguy.com"
#3. Have something to trade: What can you give?
Consider what you can give to another student, friend or co-worker. Instead of thinking about "What's in it for me," turn your focus 180 degrees and learn what you can do to help others.
Helping others can be very satisfying. I'm a member of an international networking organization.
Their motto is simple: "Givers Gain"
Givers come in many flavors:
Seek out people you can help. As a Pace Alumni, there are many ways for you to give. Remember, the more you put into giving, the more you will get back. Since you are all award recipients, you are being honored for your hard work. The more you work at staying connected to Pace, the richer your Pace experience will become. There are many generations of Pace Alumni waiting to meet you and help you along the way.
Take the following steps as you move from a Pace Student to a Pace Alum:
Join the Pace Alumni Association
Put your profile on the Pace Online Network
Join Pace LinkedIn and Facebook social networking sites
Attend events throughout the tri-state area where you will make even more contacts
Give back financially. It is not how much you give, but that you continue to support Pace every year. It is another way for you to stay connected.
Finally,
Thank your mentor and become a mentor yourself.
All of these "soft" skills will differentiate you and provide you a leg up in this world.
It is with great honor that I welcome this year's class of 2009 to the Pace Alumni Family!
