Spring 2026 Convocation
January 12, 2026 | Speech
Today isn’t just about where we are.
It’s about who we are—and what we are proving, every single day.
Let me say this clearly and without hesitation:
What you have accomplished here at Lamar State College Orange is extraordinary.
- We are growing.
- We are changing.
- We are stretching—in enrollment, in programs, in facilities, in expectations.
And yet… We are delivering.
That does not happen by accident. That happens because of resilience.
Resilience looks like adapting when the pace is relentless.
It looks like solving problems in real time. It looks like welcoming more students, more complexity, more responsibility, without losing our heart.
Over the past year, this institution has experienced enormous momentum and expansion.
- New students.
- New pathways.
- New partnerships.
- New spaces…. Some of which are very far away
And with that growth comes pressure.
It comes with longer days, tighter timelines, and moments when it would be easier to say, “We’ve reached our limit.” But you didn’t say that. You said, “We’ll figure it out.” You said, “Our students are worth it. Their future is our focus.” You said, “Full speed ahead.”
That is resilience.
- Every advising appointment for our first-generation students who need extra care.
- Every financial aid issue that is solved.
- Every lesson that is taught…. And retaught..., when necessary
- Every student that is encouraged to stay, to persist, to believe in themselves.
That work matters. And it is seen.
Here’s the truth: growth without purpose is just expansion.
But growth with resilience becomes transformation.
And that is what is happening here and Lamar State College Orange thanks to each one of YOU.
We are not just getting bigger. We are getting better.
We are not just responding to change. We are leading through it.
We are not just serving students. We are changing lives.
And I want you to hear this next part clearly:
You are not expected to do this alone. Resilience is not about burnout.
It is about support, teamwork, and knowing that leadership sees you, values you, and stands with you.
As we move forward, my focus remains steady:
- Supporting our colleagues
- Strengthening our processes to be as friendly as possible for our students
- Centering every decision on student success
Because when we take care of our faculty and staff, our students thrive.
So today, take pride. Take a breath. And take ownership of what you have built.
This college is strong because you are strong. This moment is powerful because you are resilient.
And the future?
- The future is bright.
- The future is bold.
- The future is ours.
Thank you for all you do. Thank you for believing in this community and this college.
And thank you for moving Lamar State College Orange full speed ahead.