Wagoner tells VCU’s newest graduates to welcome the unexpected

RICHMOND, Va. (Dec. 10, 2011) – During fall commencement ceremonies today, Rick Wagoner, former chairman and CEO of General Motors, urged Virginia Commonwealth University’s newest graduates to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset in their careers, embracing surprise, working with passion and never settling for the status quo. Ultimately, though, he said their most important task will be to keep their values intact.

“I strongly believe that how you get things done is just as important as getting them done,” Wagoner said. “That’s a lesson I’m sure you’ve learned at VCU, and it’s one we all do well to remember every day.”

Students received professional, graduate and undergraduate degrees at the ceremony at the VCU Siegel Center. Approximately 1,100 students attended the ceremony, and about 3,050 degrees were conferred.

Wagoner, who grew up in Richmond, recalled some surprising twists that his career took during his 32 years at GM. Each one, he noted, proved to be beneficial and rewarding, such as his appointment as treasurer of GM do Brazil – a post he was not initially eager to take.

“Do your best at whatever you’re doing, but be open to new ideas, new opportunities, as they arise,” Wagoner said. “Don’t worry about planning every step of your life. Take advantage of all the opportunities that the world will offer you. You’ll learn a lot, you’ll have some fun surprises, you’ll be a more interesting person.”

VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., told graduates that they had contributed to the university in myriad ways, “making VCU a great and vital force for solving problems and doing good work in the world.”

“All I can ask of you is to keep it up,” Rao said. “Keep growing intellectually. Keep doing the work. Do big things with your life. Don’t ever shortchange your heart.”

Wagoner and Richard Bracken were awarded the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, VCU’s highest form of recognition. Bracken, the chairman and CEO of Hospital Corporation of America, received a master’s degree in health administration from VCU in 1977.

View a commencement photo gallery and video.