HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall University students who are scheduled to graduate this Saturday will be hearing from motivational speaker and businessman Chris Gardner.
Gardner will serve as the Spring Commencement 2024 speaker during ceremonies set for 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Marshall Health Arena in Huntington.
Gardner said on Thursday’s MetroNews “Talkline” he plans on encouraging the next generation of leaders to dream of what they’re passionate about and to then go after what they want in life.
“There’s no shortage of people in institutions telling our young people what they cannot do. I’m saying what can be needs to be just as much as part of the conversation as what cannot be; hence, permission to dream. It can be done,” he said.
Gardner is the founder and CEO of Gardner Rich LLC. His journey from homelessness to success has inspired millions around the world.
Gardner’s bestselling autobiography, “The Pursuit of Happyness,” was made into a movie starring Will Smith in 2006.
His advice to young people is to cancel out the noise and get up when you fall down.
“You got to have a Plan A. When you’re doing something you’re truly passionate about, there is no Plan B,” he said.
When it comes to work-life balance, Gardner said it’s important to include your family in your long-term goals and aspirations.
“I have never sought to have work-life balance. I’ve thought of it as work-life integration. One thing I did when my children were younger, traveling all over the world, I made it a point that if I had to go someplace, I took my children with me as opposed to leaving them behind,” he said.
Marshall President Brad Smith asked Gardner to speak at Saturday’s commencement and stated he “embodies the spirit of Marshall University.”
“His personal story, professional accomplishments, grace, and compassion resonate deeply with our mission to educate students, many of whom are from overlooked and underserved communities,” Smith said in a press release. “Marshall University is proud to celebrate individuals who, like Chris, have overcome adversity to achieve extraordinary success.”
The 9 a.m. ceremony will be for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students in the following colleges:
- College of Business
- Doctor of Business Administration
- Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice
- College of Education and Professional Development
- Doctor of Education
- College of Science
- College of Engineering and Computer Sciences
- Division of Aviation
- School of Medicine — Physician Assistant
The 2 p.m. ceremony will be for undergraduate and graduate students in the following colleges:
- College of Health Professions
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- College of Arts and Media
- College of Liberal Arts
- Regents Bachelor of Arts
- School of Pharmacy
- Doctor of Pharmacy
Doors will be open an hour before each ceremony.