Sila Calderón Keynote
Sila Calderón, the first woman governor of Puerto Rico, speaks at Commencement. President Jon Westling says, “All but two of the governments on the two continents are led by men. It seems fitting, then, that the first female graduation speaker in the University’s history should also be the first woman to lead her people. And it is with great pride that I announce that the speaker at the University’s Commencement exercises in 2001 is Her Excellency Sila M. Calderón, governor of Puerto Rico.”
“Image: a bird is one of the most amazing creatures in the universe. We marvel at its freedom to fly to the most far away places. Yet, we forget that for it to have that sense of unimpeded liberty, this tiny living thing is constantly battling much greater forces than itself: the wind, the rain, all kinds of tempests that threaten every part of its journey…Yet, it goes on…and on…and prevails against great odds. Be not afraid to lift your wings and let your spirits soar. Dream and do. Aspire and accomplish. Let that strength of character shine through. Enjoy life and, above all, be true to your soul.”—Sila Calderón
