WASHINGTON – Sens. Michael Bennet and Mark Udall will give commencement addresses at law schools in Colorado in the coming weeks, talking to students they consider to be the next generation of leaders for the Centennial State and the entire country.
Udall, D-Colo., will give the commencement address for the University of Colorado’s School of Law on Friday.
Udall spoke at Fort Lewis College’s commencement ceremonies last year, and encouraged the 2012 graduates to take risks and embrace adventures.
“There is a value in taking risks, dreaming of something crazy and seeing where it’ll take you,” Udall said then. “You will always miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.”
In his next address, Udall likely will hit similar points.
He’ll highlight his own life and experiences, in public service and in other capacities – such as his love of the outdoors and mountain climbing, according to spokesman Mike Saccone.
The senator will urge the graduates to “rise to meet the challenges they face,” Saccone said.
Bennet, D-Colo., will deliver a commencement speech for the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law on May 18.
“In a time of technological change on scale with the industrial revolution, DU’s Sturm College of Law has instilled another generation of students with knowledge of the law and traditions of the past that will prepare them to invent the future and shape our nation in the 21st century,” Bennet said in a statement. “DU is an incredible institution that has produced an impressive Class of 2013 full of students ready to begin the next chapter in their personal and professional lives.”
Bennet will talk about the challenges and chances the graduates will face to invent the future, spokesman Adam Bozzi said.
“This generation is going to be shaping the world in such a dynamic time,” Bozzi said.
U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, spoke at IntelliTec College’s commencement ceremony in Grand Junction on March 23.
IntelliTec College awards associate degrees and certifications in automotive, business, dental, medical and massage programs, according to its website.
Tipton, who attended Fort Lewis College, is the first person to graduate from college in his family, according to spokesman Josh Green.
The congressman uses opportunities such as these to tell students to reach for their dreams, Green said.
“He doesn’t try to make them political,” he said. “It’s not about advancing an agenda.”
Instead, Green said, Tipton looks to inspire the students and speak from the heart.
Stefanie Dazio is a student at American University in Washington, D.C., and an intern for The Durango Herald. You can reach her at sdazio@durangoherald.com.
