Sarah Nanbu (The Beacon)
By Sarah Nanbu, Guest Commentary
Oh hey, class of 2012! We are 17 days away from graduation! As we prepare to leave our community on The Bluff, I wanted to let you know about an opportunity that will allow us to take what we have learned at UP and apply it to the "real" world.
The Graduation Pledge Alliance is an organization that strives to build a global community of responsible graduates improving society and the environment through the workplace. Graduating seniors have the opportunity to sign a pledge declaring their commitment to creating a better world. The Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility states, "I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organization for which I work."
The Pledge allows students to determine for themselves what they consider to be socially and environmentally responsible. It serves as a reminder to students of the applications of the knowledge and training they have received, and it promotes a socially conscious citizenry and ultimately a better world.
The Graduation Pledge helps to bridge the gap between education students receive and their organizations of employment. And, it promotes concern and awareness of issues outside the bottom line.
The goal of the Graduation Pledge should speak to us Pilots because it aligns with the mission of UP. As Pilots we address questions of human concern through disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies during our time on The Bluff.
The Graduation Pledge is a statement of commitment that we will continue to address issues of human concern after we leave our community on The Bluff. Furthermore, as our mission states, we are "a diverse community of scholars dedicated to excellence and innovation, we pursue teaching and learning, faith and formation, service and leadership in the classroom, residence halls and the world."
Our commitment to excellence and innovation is not limited by our immediate community; it extends to the greater community. The Graduation Pledge reminds us that we possess the ability to affect positive change.
To learn more and take the pledge, please visit gradutionpledge.org.
