......I believe the happiest people I've met are those who started a business from scratch and led it to growth and marketplace success. As you listen to such folks, it's clear that what made them happy was less the money the business brought them than the joy of seeing large numbers of other people obtain work, support families, and realize their own dreams because of what the creator of the business had done. Living in a country where such "earned success" is still possible and even commonplace is a great piece of luck we all share. Not all your luck has been so good.
Your generation enters adulthood saddled with the largest debt burden ever left by one generation to another. Think student loans are a load? Through no fault of your own, each of you already owes $100,000 to pay for the retirements of those who went before you. Each of you will be providing half of some old-timer's Social Security and Medicare costs, not to mention all the other costs of government, before the remnants of your paycheck ever hit your bank account. You didn't have a say in this, but at least you will have a chance to weigh in as our nation tries to avoid the kind of Greek tragedy we're watching unfold in Europe right now. I don't know how that court case is going to turn out, but I don't mind saying I'm rooting for Mr Donovan. I'd like Indiana always to be a place where people get ahead by talent, and good judgment, and hard work, so that they tilt the odds as far as possible in their favor. We can't take all the luck out of the game of life, but, through wise choices, we can shift the odds in our direction. You're at the table now. With the help of your wonderful parents, and this fine institution, you've been dealt a promising first hand. From now on, you're the player. Count the cards and the luck will take care of itself.
I leave you with a favorite story I've used at previous commencements, but never more aptly than today. A man's friend was expanding his business, so he ordered a floral arrangement sent to the grand opening. On arrival, he was shocked to find his flowers with a card reading "Rest in Peace." When he called to complain, the florist told him "Calm down, sir, think of it this way. Somewhere today a soul was buried under a sign that said 'Good luck in your new location.'" And that's what I wish each of you. Good luck in all your new locations, luck improved vastly by the learning and diligence with which you have earned the distinction this outstanding school is about to confer upon you.
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