Dr. James D. Houdeshell

Dr. James D. Houdeshell, professor emeritus at The University of Findlay, gave the following commencement address May 2, 2009, at The University of Findlay.

Houdeshell graduated from then-Findlay College in 1953 and later earned a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University and a doctorate from Indiana University. He began his career at the University in 1955 as a teacher and coach. Houdeshell also served as athletic director, the first dean of the college of professional studies, which was the forerunner of the current colleges of business and education, and has been instrumental in developing and directing multiple projects within the University.

Some Simple Thoughts
President Freed; members of the Board of Trustees; members of the Administration, Faculty, Staff; Parents, Friends; and most of all Graduates: This is your day.

What a privilege to be with you today after 54 years as a member of the faculty and administration and 4 years as a student and now to be invited to speak at your commencement is, indeed, an honor. For 44 years, I had the opportunity and the privilege to be the Faculty Marshal and greet graduates as they came off this platform. Through those years, graduation was held at various locations; on the lawn of Old Main; Ritz Auditorium; at the entrance to Shafer Library; Croy Gymnasium and now in Koehler Center.

The title of my address implies simple thoughts. To put these words in perspective, these thoughts have been important in my life and hopefully can help guide you in your lives.

To all graduates, the diploma should be an indicator that you have achieved a higher level of education. It represents that you have succeeded, hopefully, in accumulating a core of knowledge; that you have had many positive experiences in the lab; on the field; in the theatre; in the gym; and in service opportunities. Your college education has afforded you the opportunity to develop a network of friends and associates.

I would like to share with you eight simple thoughts to guide you as you journey from here.

There is a small book written by Coach Abe Christianson, St. Olaf College. In 1957, I was given the book entitled The Verdict of the Scoreboard. I stress the title. It is an important part of what has guided me through the many years on this campus. Each day you will deal with a verdict related to your efforts. In a game there is a winner and a loser; in your family and in your professional life verdicts are rendered daily. Each decision carries with it The Verdict of the Scoreboard. In my first thirty years on this campus as a Coach, Teacher, and Administrator, the notion of who won and who lost played a vital role. In the past 24 years, this notion about a verdict became an important part of life in moving to University Administration.

Moving to my second thought, a professor at BGSU gave our class a comment that has been important throughout my years. He said simply there are two things one cannot stop: Time and Change. Time goes on and on - change occurs with every moment; however, one can manage change and how you manage change is often the difference-maker.

Simply stated you can never be satisfied with the status quo and this may well be your biggest challenge. In these global times use time and change to your advantage. Look for opportunities, recognize and approach the opportunities with positive thinking; effort; and, these opportunities may take you anywhere in the country or world.

There is third adage that guides your way in life. Use it or lose it.   Use all facets of your education; be it a specific class or a faculty member’s knowledge and assistance; an arts or cultural performance; an internship; peer relationships and numerable other University experiences. Some of my most memorable experiences as a student occurred in Ritz Auditorium, including the opportunity to hear Mira, my wonderful wife sing. Now 56 years later, we enjoy the games; the arts and culture events and all the events the University has to offer.

A fourth thought “Continue learning as a professional.”

My professional life has been spent on the University campus. As a student and as a first year faculty member, Old Main, Renninger (the old gym) and eight house dorms constituted the college campus. From 1956 to date, I have witnessed continuous growth of enrollment, academic offerings and various campus programs. Along the way new academic, athletic, and cultural facilities have given students today an outstanding venue. While a full time faculty person, my first eleven summers were spent working on advanced degrees. Why do I mention this aspect of my career on the UF campus? I believe you need to professionally advance in your career. You climb the professional ladder either within one organization or climb the ladder by moving to new professional opportunities. Whichever avenue you use, be sure to maximize your efforts and “Shoot for the Stars.”

A fifth thought: Keep your contacts alive

During the past years as a student leading up to this day, most of your support base has come from family; friends and the University community. This acknowledgement should accompany the notion “that without their support, you probably would not be part of the UF graduation ceremonies.”  Because of my many years here, Mira and I have had the opportunity to visit with members of the 50th year graduation classes and persons from other class years. Invariably, these questions arise. Where is a particular faculty or staff person?
Or  whatever happened to my friend, classmate or teammate?  Allow me to say simply “Keep your contacts alive with family, faculty, staff, friends, classmates, and teammates.” It will be vitally important as the years past.

The sixth thought is to seek a slight edge in whatever you do. That will not occur easily. The slight edge will result from taking care of the little things along the way. I am reminded of the baseball pitcher who was looking for the slight edge. The pitcher realized that to become a better pitcher, he needed to make a small change in the angle of the arm delivery and thus gain better control of the delivery. It’s the little things that make difference. Think about water; at 211 degrees it is hot; but at 212 degrees it boils. One degree makes a significant difference.

The seventh thought: You probably have heard this thought many times; Develop a strong work ethic.  It is the support base that will assist you throughout life. Combining a strong work ethic with good academics; team work; respect for others; professionalism in your career; integrity; and a positive attitude has allowed the University of Findlay to enjoy national championships. Most recently the men’s basketball Oilers (36-0) and reigning NCAA National Champions. It was an incredible run and resulted in perfection. The UF Western Equestrian team won the IHSA National Championship last week and they, too, represent the strong work ethic needed so badly to be a Champion.

The eighth and final thought; Create a good first impression. I believe we all establish a first impression upon meeting a person or a group. I suggest you work to make a good first impression and support with strong personal skills - listening, speaking, and actions. This is a topic you should work on everyday of your life.

The University of Findlay mission statement is to equip our students for meaningful and productive careers. A very thoughtful responsibility and it is my hope that the University has fulfilled a short, but important step in your life. Congratulations to each graduate; we trust you will keep these thoughts in mind as you move ahead. Thank you so much for the chance to share some ideas and God bless all persons sharing in this celebration and God bless America.