Lessons from Humpty: An Address Delivered at Webster University's School of Business and Technology Commencement Exercise May 10, 2008 by Dean Benjamin Ola. Akande

ST. LOUIS, May 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following address was delivered at Webster University's School of Business and Technology Commencement Exercise:

As a child growing up in Africa, I was raised and nurtured with nursery rhymes. Some of these rhymes were made up by my parents, while others were universal in popularity. But there was one rhyme that stayed with me all my life. It's a story of one person's risk, endurance and perseverance. It's the story of Humpty Dunpty, the anthropomorphic egg who tried to defy the odds. All of us can recall the rhyme - Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put Humpty Dumpty together again.

Yes, the key word to focus on is the very last word of the rhyme - "again." This confirms that this was not the first time Humpty had fallen. Humpty was a serial risk taker. He was bold, fearless and somewhat entrepreneurial. Humpty had attempted to pursue this personal goal before and somehow fell short. But this egg was not going to allow failure to define him. Climbing a wall is moving beyond where you are. Climbing a wall is overcoming adversity. Climbing a wall is challenging conventional wisdom. There is a Humpty Dumpty in all of us.

And so, graduates, as you receive your diploma from Webster University today, I want to encourage you to remember the story of Humpty. This is a story of one egg's journey of endurance and the willingness to keep trying. It's a lesson that speaks of the courage to seek challenges, to connect with others, to master new skills, and - most importantly - it is a vivid reminder that even when you do all these things right, you may fall and fall again. But rest assured that when you fall, you should strive to get back on the saddle of life and that you should not allow setbacks to define who you are.

None of us are perfect. We are all striving to be better people, so don't shrink from the challenges of life. Let your light so shine and give others the permission to do the same.

In closing, I must confess that I am particularly impressed with Humpty's support group - you know, his friends - all the king's men and king's horses. They were the ultimate safety net for Humpty. These are the kind of friends we all need. People who will help put us back together when we fall.

May your life's journey be blessed with good friends and may you learn from your falls as well as your successes. Congratulations graduates.

Webster University (www.webster.edu) is an international, multi-campus university, headquartered in St. Louis, Mo. Founded in 1915 as a small private college, Webster now offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges in 108 domestic and international campus locations. The student population of more than 21,000 men and women ranges in age from traditional college-age students to adult learners, and represents 150 nationalities. The university is committed to excellence in teaching, to joining theory and practice, to small class sizes, and to educating students to be lifelong independent learners, fully prepared to participate in an increasingly international society.

CONTACT: Susan Kerth of Webster University - Saint Louis Campus, office: +1-314-246-8232, cell: +1-314-220-9130, susankerth14@webster.edu

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Source: Webster University -- Saint Louis Campus

CONTACT: Susan Kerth of Webster University - Saint Louis Campus, office:
+1-314-246-8232, cell: +1-314-220-9130, susankerth14@webster.edu

Web Site: http://www.webster.edu/

2008-05-23 15:46:54 0369888 PRNEWSWIRE