U.S. Treasury Secretary tells VCU graduates that lifelong learning is the key to success

By Pamela DiSalvo Lepley

RICHMOND, Va. – At the Virginia Commonwealth University commencement exercises today, John W. Snow, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, told graduates that a good education provides them with the ability to keep on learning, which is the key to their success in the dynamic, ever-changing economy. 

“It isn’t just the knowledge you take with you.  That’s perishable.  Knowledge or skills quickly become obsolete unless constantly upgraded,” Snow said.  “Jobs come from new ideas, from discovery, from innovations.  And by their very nature the innovations of the future are not known today.  They require risk-taking and overcoming uncertainty, and they require lifelong learning.”

Snow was nominated by President George W. Bush to become the 73rd Treasury Secretary.  He was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate and sworn into office in February 2003.  During his 20 years at CSX, Snow successfully guided the transportation company through a period of tremendous change that included dramatically reducing injuries and train accidents and improving the company’s financial performance.

Snow, a long-time resident of Richmond, also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during the graduation ceremony. 

More than 1,800 professional, graduate and undergraduate degrees were awarded during the fall commencement activities.  VCU President Eugene P. Trani observed that the graduates represent 40 countries, 33 of the 50 states, and 92 cities and counties across Virginia.  “You are a microcosm of the tremendous scope and diversity of Virginia Commonwealth University,” he said.  “You represent the determination of our student body to fulfill their educational and career goals and the spirit of innovation that is found throughout VCU.”

The full cap and gown ceremony, the third fall commencement in the history of VCU, was held at the Stuart C. Siegel Center and honored students who completed their studies in August and December of this year. 

A list of graduates by school or department:

Academic Affairs— 4
Allied Health Professions—117
School of the Arts— 236
School of Business— 359
College of Humanities and Sciences— 631
School of Dentistry— 7
School of Education— 224
School of Engineering— 51
Graduate Studies— 10
School of Medicine— 58
School of Nursing— 145
School of Pharmacy— 10
School of Social Work— 28

Total of August and December graduates: 1880