Slide 1:Owning the Future


Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor and Columnistfor The Detroit News, Wayne State University Alumnus :Nolan Finley, Editorial Page Editor and Columnistfor The Detroit News, Wayne State University Alumnus “I come from a family of subsistence farmers in one of the poorest counties in America. I was the first in my immediate family to graduate high school. Throughout high school I worked in an auto parts factory. I knew I didn't want to spend my life there.”


2009 Democratic National Convention in St. Paul, MN with UAW President Ron Gettelfinger. :2009 Democratic National Convention in St. Paul, MN with UAW President Ron Gettelfinger. “My career choice was shaped by high school teachers who urged me to develop my talent for writing and my strong curiosity in picking a field of study. Journalism was the natural fit.”


Newsman Dan Rather interviews Finley for a story on the Detroit Public Schools. :Newsman Dan Rather interviews Finley for a story on the Detroit Public Schools. “Because I was able to match my talents and interests with a job, I've been happier and more fulfilled in life.”


Stephen MillenGeneral Manager of The Philadelphia Orchestra, native Detroiter andWayne State University Alumnus :Stephen MillenGeneral Manager of The Philadelphia Orchestra, native Detroiter andWayne State University Alumnus “My best career advice? Always be honest. When I worked for The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra in Minnesota, the General Manager at the time shared this philosophy with me. Although you can take some bumps for admitting you haven’t completed something your boss desperately needs, good bosses appreciate honesty rather than excuses.”


Millen in Shanghai to sign an agreement for The Philadelphia Orchestra to perform at the 2010World Expo. :Millen in Shanghai to sign an agreement for The Philadelphia Orchestra to perform at the 2010World Expo. “My parents instilled in me, my three brothers and my sister, the need to go to college if you expect to have a career that pays you enough money to live comfortably. All of us did go to college, and all of have stimulating jobs that allow us to live comfortably. Funny how often your parents are right about stuff.”


Philadelphia OrchestraConcert Signing Ceremony in Shanghai, China :Philadelphia OrchestraConcert Signing Ceremony in Shanghai, China “Competition in the work force is fierce, so you need to have advanced degrees to succeed in the most desired professions. Also, enriching your mind with knowledge about our world and its history makes each of us a better person, who can appreciate and enjoy the things in our respective lives. Ignorance is never bliss.”


Devin ScillianBroadcast Journalist andNews Anchor for WDIV-TV 4 NBC, University of Kansas Alumnus :Devin ScillianBroadcast Journalist andNews Anchor for WDIV-TV 4 NBC, University of Kansas Alumnus “I think it's really important to set your sights beyond something that sounds suitable, comfortable or profitable. I think you need to find something you can believe in.   Frustrations and setbacks inevitably occur.  Coworkers and bosses will frustrate you or let you down. Paychecks won't go as far as you hope.  But you can weather those when you're committed to an idea that is just a little bigger than the day to day to-and-fro of a job.”


Scillian as Albion College CommencementSpeaker :“One of the best gifts given to me by my parents was the certainty that after high school came college.  It never seemed optional to me.  I don't remember deciding to GO to college.  My only decision was WHERE.” Scillian as Albion College CommencementSpeaker


On the streets of Hong Kong :On the streets of Hong Kong “I'm someone who believes that education is a lifelong pursuit.  While many see college as a prerequisite for a job (and it certainly can be that), I realize now that college taught me how to think critically.  In other words, college taught me how to learn.  It's a skill for which I'm grateful every day.”


: “My parents didn't go to college or even promote college as an option. My family was considered very low income and was on the welfare system. I refused to live like that as an adult and was determined to make a better life for myself.  I refused to have to rely on someone else to take care of me. I was determined to do it myself.” Shawn Hill, Principal University Prep Math & Science Eastern Michigan University Alumnus


With students at University Prep Middle School :With students at University Prep Middle School “Going to college made a huge difference in my life.   I had to figure out how to be independent and how to pay for college. The experience provided me with the knowledge and fortitude to persevere through any situation.   There are so many things to learn in this world. It is exciting to think about all of the endless possibilities. I believe I can do anything that I set my mind to.  I certainly didn't believe this prior to college.”


Slide 13:“College is worth every dime you pay or borrow.   Don’t let costs deter you from pursuing your dreams. Choose a college because it is the best place for your program of study, not because of its location. Talk to counselors, professors and peers. Seek tutoring programs, social-networking organizations and other academic support groups. You are not alone. Don't give up, no matter what circumstances appear to get in your way. You can and will succeed.”


Slide 14:Who will you be?


Slide 15:Music by Brad Barr, “Sarah through the Wall” Used with permission from Tompkins Square Records