Let me begin by saying congratulations to the 2004 graduating class of Baker University. Being here this afternoon brings back memories of my own graduation more years ago than seems possible. I recall my graduation as an experience filled with both anticipation and sadness -- celebrating my graduation, but knowing I would miss my friends and wondering what was ahead of me. The real journey of my life was about to begin. And now so will yours.

          Like most of you, I hoped that our commencement speaker might provide some insight on the world and my life in it--in fifty words or less. I hoped what you are all hoping right now, may the speaker be meaningful but more importantly, may the speaker be brief.

          While meaningful I hope to be, brief I promise to be.

          One of the most difficult speeches to prepare is an address to a graduation class, which is why I don’t often do them.  I usually decline to speak at commencement because of my sense of inadequacy.  What can I say that is equal in meaning to this special day in your lives?

          The task was made even more difficult after it was indicated that the preference was for me to talk about my personal philosophy rather than the garden variety, “Go Forth and Do Great Things” speech. While each of us holds beliefs of how we live our lives it is difficult to express one’s view in a meaningful way to others.

          Having made all these disclaimers, I will do my best to share with you my thoughts on what is important in life. I am speaking not as a member of Congress but as Jerry Moran, another human being. 

          But, before addressing the graduates, let me first visit with some of the others here this afternoon. First, moms and dads. Thank you for all you have done to help these graduates reach this important point in their lives. For you this means turning a page, as well. As your son or daughter moves on, you can take great pride in knowing you have helped them take a giant step forward. But in addition to pride, there is also sadness today. That sadness comes from the recognition that your kids are no longer going to be as dependent on you as they once were, and with that comes the realization of how fast they grow up and how little time we have with them. I am sure every parent is thinking back on the memories of that little boy or girl who sits before us now in cap and gown. It is a reminder to each of us as parents who become preoccupied with earning a living and our own pursuits that we need to make the most of every day of our lives with our children.

          I don’t mind telling you that I have one of the most fulfilling and important jobs in the world. It requires responsibility, extensive knowledge, being on call 24 hours a day, combining firm leadership with careful negotiations, and keeping one’s word. The job I have just described is not that of a Congressman, but that of a father to my wife’s and my two teenage daughters. With just one exception, nothing in life is more important than our jobs as moms and dads.  So graduates, please join me in applauding the most important people in your lives-- your parents.

          If you ask someone who had the most influence on their life, no one ever says their Congressman. Most often they will say their parents. But a close second are the teachers and professors. It is impossible to overstate the important role of educators in the lives of students. It is true in my own life.  

          Many of us have teachers who changed our lives. Educators, who for inadequate pay, educated us not only with facts and figures, but also instilled in us a love for learning and a sense that there is a big world out there beyond the city limits of our home towns. So this afternoon I also salute the professors of Baker University who touched the lives of these graduating seniors. May you find satisfaction in knowing that you have made a tremendous difference in the lives of students.

          And now to the graduates - let me visit with you about your lives and your futures. I have but three recommendations: commit yourselves to excellence, character and service.

          First, commit yourselves to excellence in whatever you do, big things and little. There is a distinction between excellence and perfection. Things will not always turn out to be perfect. Perfection has to do with the end product, but excellence has to do with the process. It is making the most of your abilities and talents. A little thing is a little thing, but doing the little things well is a big thing.

          Second, commit yourselves to character. Character has to do with the principles you live your life by. Honesty, virtue, courage to always do what is right no matter the consequences, personal responsibility--that is the kind of character we need in each of you and in each citizen of our nation. 

          We face new and greater challenges.  For too long, right and wrong have been relative -- open to interpretation.  It is up to each of us as citizens to renew our commitment to character.  That is, an effort to live our lives doing right, recognizing that right and wrong are absolute. No less than the survival of our country and our way of life depends upon not only the character of our leaders but also upon the character of our citizens.

          Alexis De Tocqueville, the French writer who studied our country and wrote Democracy in America, observed that, “Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”

          My third suggestion is to commit yourselves to service to others. I am convinced that success is not measured by what you get out of life, but by what you give back. Often we measure success by one’s salary, fame, power or possessions.  True success and true happiness result from the service we provide others.  

          I can tell you from my own life that satisfaction does not derive from economic well being, status on the social ladder or power in our nation’s capital. For a long time I had a goal for my life--the goal of becoming a member of congress. Eight years ago, with the help of many Kansans, I reached that goal. But like so many goals we set for ourselves, when they are material or related to status, even when they are accomplished, we are left feeling empty and unsatisfied. After the election and the excitement of being in Washington, D.C. had worn off, I recognized that without the right attitude this was going to be just another job. I needed to remind myself that I had a wonderful opportunity to be of service to others -- that I was not elected to satisfy my own ego, but rather, to the best of my ability, to live a life in service to others.

          George Elliot once said, “Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.” 

          Often we are told that our country is in need of great leaders. I believe what we really need is great servants. People who serve others, not themselves. People like your parents and your teachers who put doing for you above doing for themselves. While I believe in the opportunities of service in public office, I would not suggest that running for office is the only way or even the best way to serve your community. To the contrary, I believe that individuals who volunteer their time in churches, neighborhoods and communities will have the greatest impact on other people’s lives and, in the process, add meaning to our own lives. The effect of this person-to-person involvement, Boy Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, can be far greater than any government program or the results of any election. 

          I have no doubt your education at Baker University has undoubtedly prepared you well for a career. But more importantly, you are called upon to make a life. Not only to make a dollar, but to make a destiny. Not just to find happiness, but to pursue usefulness. Do not allow yourselves to lose sight of what is truly important. Always remember that no job, regardless of salary; having a good time, however tempting--nothing--can take the place of a life committed to something other than yourself. The challenge is to seek a life that is something more than just being comfortable. This nation will not be better off because we have one more millionaire, but will be better if one more person lives his or her life committed to excellence, character and service.  

          The world is a large and wonderful place, and it is your time to step into it. You are armed with your college degree and the character bred into you by your family, teachers and friends. You are balanced on the threshold of the rest of your life. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

          One final thought, I mentioned earlier that, with one exception, nothing is more important in life than our jobs as husbands and wives and moms and dads. That one exception is a commitment to living one’s life compatible with God’s will for your life. Without seeking God’s direction, without faith, life will be empty and you will be unfulfilled. And in all your endeavors you will come up short. Without God, you will be inadequate for the tasks ahead. 

          The challenges are large and the way uncertain, the dangers enormous and our own abilities limited.  Emmanuel Teney once said, “As your faith is strengthened,  you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit.”

          So as you graduate, you begin today with the God who made you, you walk with the God who guides you, and you will find completion with the God who loves you.

          We need the chance to build a new world. And God has always given us that chance. Never have the challenges been greater, but if you will let God direct you, you can help build a better world. You have that opportunity. 

          Congratulations and God bless.