Lamar Alexander Reminds Graduates to Find the Good
“Find the good and praise it.”
Those six words from former Senator Lamar Alexander inspired me and, I’m certain, the Class of 2024 when he delivered them at the fall commencement ceremony.
Alexander, who received an honorary doctorate in educational leadership and policy at the ceremony, is a former two-term governor, three-term US senator, US secretary of education, and president of the University of Tennessee System.
In his remarks, Alexander reminded us all that while public service has its challenges, it is a fulfilling and impactful way to make a difference in our communities and our country. He encouraged students across disciplines to step up as leaders in their communities.
From serving on school boards to running for Congress, our country needs smart and thoughtful leaders who have the heart for service—people like those graduating from UT, he said.
I couldn’t agree more.
“Because of your time at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, you will have more capacity to make a greater contribution to your community, your state, and perhaps the world,” he said. “The surest path to doing that is public service.”
Throughout his time in public office, Alexander championed education, research, and innovation. As senator, he shepherded reforms to federal financial aid and K–12 education while ensuring protections for national parks and investment in the nation’s scientific ingenuity. As governor, he helped bring the automotive industry to Tennessee, an effort that continues to reap dividends for the state’s economy.
Alexander recently endowed a scholarship at the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs. In 1992 he and his late wife, Honey, endowed the Alexander Prize, which is awarded annually to a UT faculty member for superior teaching and scholarship.
He has returned to campus to be an advisor to the Baker School , and he is a popular guest speaker in the Leading with Courage course I teach alongside former Governor Bill Haslam.
I am thankful for Senator Alexander’s continued friendship and support of the university. I hope each of us will remember to find the good and praise it.