Governor Rauner offers grounded words for Lincoln College graduates

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[May 16, 2015]  LINCOLN - The Honorable Bruce V. Rauner, 42nd and current Governor of Illinois made history for Lincoln College and himself on Saturday. It was the first time in Lincoln College history that an executive officer addressed a graduating class. Likewise, the Governor told the audience that it was the first time he had been asked to address a commencement. It was also the first time he’d received an honorary degree; and the Governor noted it was a particular honor to receive a doctorate from Lincoln College, the college first named in honor of the nation’s 16th president while he was still alive.

The Governor, an American businessman, philanthropist and Director Emeritus and former Chairman of the Chicago Public Education Fund would offer sage words he received on education, work and life. Governor Rauner said his message would be “short and sweet.” He wanted to speak about three people who influenced and helped shape his life.

First he spoke of his grandfather, a Swedish immigrant, a dairyman in Wisconsin, and a factory worker. He taught his grandson three things. “Work hard, give everything you do a 100 percent effort. Get a great education because that is the key to enhancing your future, and make sure to give back to your community.”

Rauner encouraged the students to follow those same guides, to work hard, to get their education, and to especially give back to their community. He talked about serving through elected office saying it was a privilege to serve, and he encouraged the students to think about serving in some elected capacity as well.

The second person who influenced Rauner was his boss at his first job. He said the first lesson to come from his boss, “Every day treat other people the way you want to be treated.” He said this was the key to a good life.

Rauner said, “Another thing he taught me, ‘He said, “Bruce, your reputation is your most important asset.” He added, “It takes years and years to build a good reputation; it takes a few moments to tear it down. Whatever you choose to do in your life, your reputation is the key to your success.”

And finally that first boss taught him, “Nothing great is accomplished alone. It is always about bringing together people with different skill sets to solve a problem.” He encouraged the graduates always to be part of a good team, “Be around people who are very talented, have integrity, and that you can learn from.”

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The last person Governor Rauner spoke of was an entrepreneur who he worked with as a venture capitalist. He said the man was a Greek immigrant who had enjoyed success, but not without failure. He had started five or six successful businesses, but he had also had almost as many dismal failures. But in spite of the failures he never gave up on himself.

That man told Rauner to first “Rush slowly”; meaning to work toward a goal with a sense of urgency, but at the same time with careful thought, paying attention to detail.

The second lesson is “persistence.” Don’t give up; don’t let the failures slow you down. Rauner said, “In this is life, whether it is big scale or small scale, you’re going to have failures. You’re going to have bumps in the road. Consider every failure a learning opportunity and don’t let it slow you down.”

As he came to the end of his comments, he told the graduates he was excited for them and their future. He concluded, “My role as governor is to work for you, to create an environment here in Illinois so that whatever you chose to be, you can do it in Illinois.”

[Nila Smith]

 

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