Wednesday, May 14, 2003
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Wednesday, May 14, 2003 |
Scott speaks to record CCSU commencement crowdIn an address Clayton State President Dr. Thomas K. Harden termed "inspiring," U.S. Rep. David Scott (D-GA) asked the largest audience ever to attend the University's Commencement, "What does it take to be a success?" Speaking before 1,250 graduates, relatives, friends, students, faculty and staff at Saturday, May 10 morning ceremony, and a record-breaking 1750 at the noon ceremony, Scott urged his listeners to follow the precepts of three great men, all of whom had answered the question, "What does it take to be a success?" "You must first of all know yourself," said Scott, quoting Greek philosopher Aristotle. "You must first of all discipline yourself," he added, quoting Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. "You must first of all sacrifice yourself," he said, quoting Jesus Christ. "Knowledge, discipline and sacrifice, the three cornerstones to help you make it all the way," added Scott. "Once you have these, you step out on faith and believe in the power of prayer." The Commencement ceremonies, held in the University's Athletics & Fitness Center, featured more than 250 graduates among the 3000 total participants. Graduates of the School of Arts & Sciences and the School of Business received their diplomas from Harden at a 9 a.m. ceremony, while graduates of the School of Health Sciences, the School of Technology and the College of Information and Mathematical Sciences were honored at a noon ceremony, where the standing room-only crowd set a record for the most individuals to attend an indoor function at Clayton State. Scott is the newly elected (2002) representative from Georgia's new 13th District, which includes parts of Clayton, Fulton, Gwinnett, DeKalb, Rockdale, Henry, Newton, Walton, Fayette, Butts and Spalding counties. He is a member of the House Financial Services Committee, the Capital Markets and Housing Subcommittees, and the Agriculture Committee. He has also been elected by his colleagues from the states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina to serve as the Region Whip. Prior to being elected to Congress, Scott served for 28 years as a member of the Georgia State Legislature. A member of the Georgia House from 1974 to 1982, he was then elected to the Georgia Senate and remained in that body for 20 years, serving as chairman of the Rules Committee.
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