Mon, Jun 13th, 2011
In his address to the Hocking College Class of 2011, Mike Budzik, Hocking College alumni and former Chief of the Ohio Division of Wildlife, advised the new graduates to stay focused on the goals they have set for themselves.
“A way to keep our focus sharp in the environment we’re in today is to develop an attitude of service and follow it with action of service to others. When we are actively engaged in service to others, progress happens,” Budzik commented to the 557 graduates in two ceremonies on Sunday, June 12 at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the Hocking College Student Center Multiplex.
Throughout his speech, he spoke fondly of his experience at Hocking College, particularly of the instructors who made it possible for him to complete his degree while pursuing his career goals in an exciting opportunity at the Sequoia National Forest fighting back country wildfires. “I have never forgotten what these instructors did for me,” Budzik added. “Their personal sacrifice as well as their dedication helped a young college kid have an incredible opportunity and begin a natural resource career in wildlife that would eventually take him from a conservation aide or laborer all the way to the White House to meet the President and the First Lady of the United States.”
He went on to express confidence that all of the Hocking graduates could experience the same kind of career success. “Take your experience from Hocking College and begin applying in immediately to serve others. This world needs your talents, your ability and your service. In so doing, you will make a difference and you will be rewarded many times over,” Budzik concluded.
Budzik, after graduating from Hocking College, began his career with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife in January 1975 as a conservation aide. Throughout his career, he held various statewide wildlife positions, finally retiring as the Chief of the Ohio Division of Wildlife in 2003. Budzik has been honored by both the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate for his “Distinguished Career in Wildlife.”
Also during the ceremonies, outstanding students were presented with the following awards: Samantha Owen, Excellence in Student Employment; Alicia Dicken, Richard Elston Award; Chad Dillon, Student Life Award; Alicia Dicken and Shawn Yates, Trustee’s Student Excellence Award; and “We are One-Hocking” Award, Domestic Recipient Amy Ritter, International Recipient Mary Sol Ibanez.
New this year, graduates were asked to bring $1 to the commencement to start the first class scholarship fund. The result of their giving will be announced on the alumni webpage, with the goal to encourage competition between past and future classes to begin and grow their honorary scholarship funds.
Graduates of the Energy Institute; McClenaghan Center for Hospitality Training; School of Arts and Sciences; School of Engineering, Business and Computer Information Technology; and School of Public Safety Services will received degrees in the morning ceremony, while students from School of Health and Nursing and School of Natural Resources graduated in the afternoon ceremony.
“A way to keep our focus sharp in the environment we’re in today is to develop an attitude of service and follow it with action of service to others. When we are actively engaged in service to others, progress happens,” Budzik commented to the 557 graduates in two ceremonies on Sunday, June 12 at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the Hocking College Student Center Multiplex.
Throughout his speech, he spoke fondly of his experience at Hocking College, particularly of the instructors who made it possible for him to complete his degree while pursuing his career goals in an exciting opportunity at the Sequoia National Forest fighting back country wildfires. “I have never forgotten what these instructors did for me,” Budzik added. “Their personal sacrifice as well as their dedication helped a young college kid have an incredible opportunity and begin a natural resource career in wildlife that would eventually take him from a conservation aide or laborer all the way to the White House to meet the President and the First Lady of the United States.”
He went on to express confidence that all of the Hocking graduates could experience the same kind of career success. “Take your experience from Hocking College and begin applying in immediately to serve others. This world needs your talents, your ability and your service. In so doing, you will make a difference and you will be rewarded many times over,” Budzik concluded.
Budzik, after graduating from Hocking College, began his career with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife in January 1975 as a conservation aide. Throughout his career, he held various statewide wildlife positions, finally retiring as the Chief of the Ohio Division of Wildlife in 2003. Budzik has been honored by both the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate for his “Distinguished Career in Wildlife.”
Also during the ceremonies, outstanding students were presented with the following awards: Samantha Owen, Excellence in Student Employment; Alicia Dicken, Richard Elston Award; Chad Dillon, Student Life Award; Alicia Dicken and Shawn Yates, Trustee’s Student Excellence Award; and “We are One-Hocking” Award, Domestic Recipient Amy Ritter, International Recipient Mary Sol Ibanez.
New this year, graduates were asked to bring $1 to the commencement to start the first class scholarship fund. The result of their giving will be announced on the alumni webpage, with the goal to encourage competition between past and future classes to begin and grow their honorary scholarship funds.
Graduates of the Energy Institute; McClenaghan Center for Hospitality Training; School of Arts and Sciences; School of Engineering, Business and Computer Information Technology; and School of Public Safety Services will received degrees in the morning ceremony, while students from School of Health and Nursing and School of Natural Resources graduated in the afternoon ceremony.
