feedback - graduation
A sample of Graduation & Commencement-related feedback on the book & related events
Andy Roach, Kendall College: "Greg's Commencement Speech was perhaps one of the best speeches I have heard regardless of venue and I can only hope that it made as big of an impression on the students as it did on the faculty..."
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Sam Memije, Principal, Parkland Prep Academy: "I can't thank Greg enough for his presentation at graduation. It was timely and done in a manner that appealed to both parents and graduates. It is clear that he understands the unique challenges our students face. I think he is also approachable, allowing the students to make a connection to a great, successful role model who has faced challenges head on. I think he truly inspires on many levels. Thanks again for everything he does. He truly deserves his status as honorary faculty member! I hope we can work together again!"
Southwick Suffield News (Letter from the Editor): "For Southwick and Suffield, graduation season has come to an end. SHS held its graduation ceremony on Saturday....While I enjoyed all the speeches, there was one that really made an impression on me, and I found myself recounting his words long after the final graduate received his diploma. Greg Forbes Siegman, co-author of “The First Thirty,” was both amusing and enlightening. His message, imploring all the students to use their slot in life, whatever that slot might be, was different from most graduation speeches. Yes, he offered familiar words of encouragement about finding your individual path. Yes, he talked about thanking parents, teachers and all those who helped the graduates reach this milestone in their lives. But there was something else in Siegman’s message, something quite unique. He talked about failure, about resignation and defeat. He recounted his own story, which involved being rejected from every college on his list. He talked about how graduation, for him, marked a dark day that led to an uncertain future at a college in a place he had no interest in living. But, as time went on and he spent time at this school, he learned as much about himself as he did about English, math and science. He learned that he could love this school, love this life. His story was humorous and heart-warming... Whatever happens [in the lives of these graduates next], Siegman is right. Always remember this day, this time in your life. Celebrate your accomplishments and hold onto your past. But never be afraid to look ahead. That’s where the future lies."
Phillip, graduate of Leadership Wisconsin: "I really enjoyed Greg's speech. It was great advice in becoming a more active leader while showcasing the effects one can have on the world by doing something as simple as starting a conversation. Fill the open space with what's needed. That's something that my wife and I work to do in our own lives! It was great to have him at our celebration..."
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Stanton L. Jones, Wheaton College (after attending another school's Commencement where Greg was the Speaker): ""...I really did appreciate the speech [Greg] gave - among the best commencement speeches I have ever heard..."
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Rita Caruso, Arts of Living School: "Because of Greg, yesterday's graduation here will remain one of the most memorable graduations I have had the privilege to share in, in over 22 years as a teacher..."
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Barry Marder, Grandfather of a graduate: "I am 78 years old. I have attended a lot of Commencements. That speech was the most meaningful and interesting one I've ever heard."
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Ned Sullivan, SHS Guidance Counselor: "...I think the standing ovation Greg got [after his Commencement speech] says it all about how well received his speech was! It was a whirlwind of a weekend, and a graduation we'll remember for a while around here."
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Dr. McCarthy, Prairie State College: "...the first standing ovation the Commencement Speaker has ever received during my time [here]."
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Jan Gillespie, Head of School, Janus School: "I can't thank Greg enough for the magical two days [the school] has just had. It was better than I dreamed it could be. His message for the parents and kids was so true and right on the mark...."
**
Janus School teacher: "He was one of the best speakers that we have ever had. The students know the truth when they hear it, and that is what he delivered...The highest complements that our students can give is to sit, listen, and willingly interact with a speaker. They did this with him.....all of the people there felt that he was speaking to them and not at them. The graduation speech on Friday was very poignant and moving....He said exactly what people needed to hear..."
*
Janus School graduate: "I enjoyed meeting Greg and loved his speech at graduation. It really moved me. His story -- knowing that even kids with learning differences can help change the world -- has truly encouraged me to take on my goals head on and not look back.... Again, I thank him for coming to our school. it really moved all of my friends and family who attended the graduation."
*
Janus School administrator/staff: "I think having Greg here made the best graduation ceremony we have had in the 5 years that I have been with the school. Thank you to Greg so much for his interest in the School and speaking to and interacting with our students and faculty."
Andy Roach, Kendall College: "Greg's Commencement Speech was perhaps one of the best speeches I have heard regardless of venue and I can only hope that it made as big of an impression on the students as it did on the faculty..."
*
Sam Memije, Principal, Parkland Prep Academy: "I can't thank Greg enough for his presentation at graduation. It was timely and done in a manner that appealed to both parents and graduates. It is clear that he understands the unique challenges our students face. I think he is also approachable, allowing the students to make a connection to a great, successful role model who has faced challenges head on. I think he truly inspires on many levels. Thanks again for everything he does. He truly deserves his status as honorary faculty member! I hope we can work together again!"
Southwick Suffield News (Letter from the Editor): "For Southwick and Suffield, graduation season has come to an end. SHS held its graduation ceremony on Saturday....While I enjoyed all the speeches, there was one that really made an impression on me, and I found myself recounting his words long after the final graduate received his diploma. Greg Forbes Siegman, co-author of “The First Thirty,” was both amusing and enlightening. His message, imploring all the students to use their slot in life, whatever that slot might be, was different from most graduation speeches. Yes, he offered familiar words of encouragement about finding your individual path. Yes, he talked about thanking parents, teachers and all those who helped the graduates reach this milestone in their lives. But there was something else in Siegman’s message, something quite unique. He talked about failure, about resignation and defeat. He recounted his own story, which involved being rejected from every college on his list. He talked about how graduation, for him, marked a dark day that led to an uncertain future at a college in a place he had no interest in living. But, as time went on and he spent time at this school, he learned as much about himself as he did about English, math and science. He learned that he could love this school, love this life. His story was humorous and heart-warming... Whatever happens [in the lives of these graduates next], Siegman is right. Always remember this day, this time in your life. Celebrate your accomplishments and hold onto your past. But never be afraid to look ahead. That’s where the future lies."
Phillip, graduate of Leadership Wisconsin: "I really enjoyed Greg's speech. It was great advice in becoming a more active leader while showcasing the effects one can have on the world by doing something as simple as starting a conversation. Fill the open space with what's needed. That's something that my wife and I work to do in our own lives! It was great to have him at our celebration..."
*
Stanton L. Jones, Wheaton College (after attending another school's Commencement where Greg was the Speaker): ""...I really did appreciate the speech [Greg] gave - among the best commencement speeches I have ever heard..."
*
Rita Caruso, Arts of Living School: "Because of Greg, yesterday's graduation here will remain one of the most memorable graduations I have had the privilege to share in, in over 22 years as a teacher..."
*
Barry Marder, Grandfather of a graduate: "I am 78 years old. I have attended a lot of Commencements. That speech was the most meaningful and interesting one I've ever heard."
*
Ned Sullivan, SHS Guidance Counselor: "...I think the standing ovation Greg got [after his Commencement speech] says it all about how well received his speech was! It was a whirlwind of a weekend, and a graduation we'll remember for a while around here."
*
Dr. McCarthy, Prairie State College: "...the first standing ovation the Commencement Speaker has ever received during my time [here]."
*
Jan Gillespie, Head of School, Janus School: "I can't thank Greg enough for the magical two days [the school] has just had. It was better than I dreamed it could be. His message for the parents and kids was so true and right on the mark...."
**
Janus School teacher: "He was one of the best speakers that we have ever had. The students know the truth when they hear it, and that is what he delivered...The highest complements that our students can give is to sit, listen, and willingly interact with a speaker. They did this with him.....all of the people there felt that he was speaking to them and not at them. The graduation speech on Friday was very poignant and moving....He said exactly what people needed to hear..."
*
Janus School graduate: "I enjoyed meeting Greg and loved his speech at graduation. It really moved me. His story -- knowing that even kids with learning differences can help change the world -- has truly encouraged me to take on my goals head on and not look back.... Again, I thank him for coming to our school. it really moved all of my friends and family who attended the graduation."
*
Janus School administrator/staff: "I think having Greg here made the best graduation ceremony we have had in the 5 years that I have been with the school. Thank you to Greg so much for his interest in the School and speaking to and interacting with our students and faculty."
All those cited above are generally cited by their affiliation with organizations &/or companies to which they belonged at the time they provided the review. (For instance, if someone is listed as being employed by a particular organization, that means they were employed by that organization at the time they provided the event feedback. They may or may not still be employed there now).