Major General inspires at 2015 Convocation

Major General Peggy Combs address the SUNY Poly Class of 2019 at Convocation. (Photo by Lynne Browne)

SUNY Polytechnic Institute, as does many other institutions of higher education, hold Convocation to formally mark the start of the academic year. Attended by students, faculty, and administrators, the ceremony is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, and the academic, cultural, and social growth of our entire community.

“Convocation. It’s a fancy university term for us all getting together,” said SUNY Poly Provost Dr. William Durgin as he addressed the crowd during the September 1 ceremony in the Wildcat Field House.

The 2015 Convocation Keynote Speaker was Major General Peggy C. Combs, U.S. Army Cadet Command at Fort Knox in Kentucky. Her roots, however, are right here in the Mohawk Valley, graduating from Oriskany High School.

Her speech left many, including students, faculty and staff, inspired to seize their passion and create a better tomorrow. Some of the most notable excerpts included:

Major General Peggy Combs address the SUNY Poly Class of 2019 at Convocation. (Photo by Lynne Browne)

“As the inaugural class, you’re going to set the standard for the classes that follow in your footsteps. The tone you set here will be the one of this great university.”

“If it’s not your passion, don’t do it. Do something that you’re passionate about. Do something that sparks your interest. Don’t do anything that makes you miserable. Life’s too short.”

“The army classifies 2025 and beyond as unknown and unknowable because of the rapid change in the world.”

“This is your opportunity to build your creative engine.”

“You need to know what’s in the box before you can think outside of it.”

“Our nation’s wealth is not measured in a checkbook. It’s measured in you – our youth.”