Commencement Speech by Dr. Rick Rigsby - Key Notes

Introduction

• Dr. Rick Rigsby, Bay Area native, former award-winning journalist.
• PhD from the University of Oregon.
• College professor for two decades, mostly at Texas A&M University.
• Character coach and chaplain for Aggies football team.
• Influences people worldwide, speaks at Fortune 500 companies.
• Author of "Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout."

Key Messages and Themes

Education and Wisdom

• Graduates from California Maritime Academy receive rigorous education.
• Emphasis on combining education with wisdom from life experiences.
• Wisdom keeps one grounded and impactful.

Making an Impact

• Leadership is influence (John Maxwell).
• Impact is more than making a nice impression; it's about doing your best.

Lessons from a Third Grade Dropout

• Dr. Rigsby's father was the wisest person he knew.
• Despite leaving school in third grade, he taught himself to read and write.
• His father worked at California Maritime Academy as a cook.

Wisdom Shared by Dr. Rigsby's Father

• Do not judge people: Get to know them regardless of differences.
• Be early: "You'd rather be an hour early than a minute late."
• Be kind: Kind deeds are never lost.
• Keep your servant's towel bigger than your ego: Ego can lead to stupidity.
• Do it right: Excellence should be a habit.

Personal Stories and Lessons

• Dr. Rigsby shared stories of his father's influence and his own personal experiences.
• Importance of resilience: "Just stand" despite life's challenges.
• Trina's legacy: Emphasized living a meaningful life.

Closing Thoughts

• Seek wisdom in unlikely places.
• Combine academic knowledge with wisdom to make a positive impact.
• Live by principles of kindness, punctuality, and excellence.
• Ask yourself daily, "How am I living?"

Inspirational Quotes

• "Good enough isn't good enough if it can be better, and better isn't good enough if it can be best."
• "How you do anything is how you do everything."

Conclusion

• Encouragement to the class of 2017 to seek wisdom and live impactful lives.
• Dr. Rigsby leaves graduates with blessings and a call to action to change the world.