MLC speaker: Nice people can finish first

Today’s college graduates face a world filled with harsh realities, but that shouldn’t keep them from striving to be the best.

"It’s my contention that not only can nice people finish first, but the organizations they head and take part in will finish on top as well," Myron Kandel told the Midland Lutheran College class of 2009 Saturday.

Kandel, the founding financial editor of CNN and part of the cable network’s launch team in 1980, was the commencement speaker at the college’s graduation ceremonies inside the Event Center.

While he reminded those gathered that we’re facing some of the most challenging economic times in our nation’s history, things will get better.

"I want to bring you a message of hope," he said. " The American economy is the most resilient in the world. We’ve been through bad times before, although I must admit not quite this bad in recent memory. But we have always rebounded from adversity.

"You will have to work hard to find and keep a decent job. Competition will be fierce. You may be even forced to make a detour from your chosen career path. ... You have to remain more flexible than ever before to meet the demands of the workplace."

Now is the time for graduates to grow, he said.

"What is still most important at this stage in your life is to keep developing a moral compass that will guide you the rest of the way," Kandel said.

He reminded the graduates that one person can make a difference.

"You can make (the world) better and you can make a difference. One person can make a difference; examples of that abound," he said. "... Everyone one of us in our personal and business lives is capable of effecting change for the better."

While today’s graduates might not be ready yet to lead communities and businesses, the lessons learned in the next few years will prepare them, he said.

"Nice people can finish first," Kandel said. "Now you get out there and prove it."

Kandel, considered a pioneer in financial reporting, was one of three people given honorary doctorates on Saturday.

Lee Simmons, who lead the Henry Doorly Zoo for 40 years, and the Rev. Gretchen Ritola, a Fremont native who currently serves on the Nebraska Synod Council and is chairperson of the Rural Ministry Task Force, also were honored.

Additionally, Connie Taylor was presented with the Award for Teaching Excellence and Jordan Goodall was presented with the John Prauner Senior Award.