Saturday, May 19, 2001

Wilmington, NC -- Relying upon his knowledge of the world’s great philosophers, Dr. Tom Morris told the 2001 graduating class of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington that true success in every adventure required what he called “his seven Cs – conception, confidence, concentration, consistency, commitment, character and capacity.”

True success isn’t about money or fame, said Morris, author of True Success: A New Philosophy of Excellence. “It’s about discovering your talents, knowing yourself and making your mark in the world for good. Don’t settle for anything less; why should you?”

Morris addressed UNCW graduates at two ceremonies where he also received an honorary doctor of humanities degree. Approximately 670 undergraduate and 90 graduate students received degrees from the College of Arts and Sciences at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, May 19, in Trask Coliseum. Ceremonies for the university’s professional schools, Cameron School of Business, Watson School of Education and the School of Nursing, were held at 2:30 p.m.; approximately 400 undergraduate and 85 graduate students received degrees.

In his address, Morris urged the graduates to follow the advice of the world’s great thinkers:

Develop a clear conception of what each of you want. “Vague thoughts can’t motivate behavior.”

Have confidence that you can attain the goals you set. “Harvard philosopher William James claimed that every champion had the quality he called ‘precursive faith’ – faith that runs ahead of the evidence. In any new challenge, one never has evidence sufficient to prove success. The evidence of the past can’t ever prove the success of the future – but the champions in life are the people who don’t let that hold them back.”



Focus concentration on what it takes to reach the goal. “Learn to set intermediate goals. Little things add up. As the ancient Chinese proverb says, ‘great oaks grow from tiny acorns.’”

Have a stubborn consistency in pursuing your vision. “Consistency means to stand together. The number one cause of failure is self-imposed self-sabotage by people who act inconsistently with their own goals and values. Don’t allow ignorance - a failure to think through the consequences of your actions, indifference - a lack of care, or inertia - sheer habit to hold you back in life through inconsistent actions.”

Display an emotional commitment to the importance of what you are doing. “Get your heart engaged in what you are doing. Commitment from the heart is necessary to have success in any enterprise.”

Be of good character to guide and keep you on course. “Unethical success is always self-destructive. Character counts in our world.”

Have the capacity to enjoy the process along the way. “Great people are those who love what they are doing, and they have a positive impact on everyone around them.”

Morris, a native North Carolinian, is chair of the Morris Institute of Human Values in Wilmington, N.C., and a member of the UNCW Board of Visitors. A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, he holds a Ph.D. in philosophy and religious studies from Yale University. Combining insights of great thinkers with high energy and humor, Morris has served as an adviser to the corporate world. Recent audiences include General Motors, Merrill Lynch, GTE, Target Stores, NBC Sports and Salomon Smith Barney. He is the author of 12 books including If Aristotle Ran General Motors: The New Soul of Business and Philosophy for Dummies.

Following Morris’ address, six students were recognized for outstanding academic or leadership performance.

Kathleen Morrow of Laurinburg received the William A. Bryan Senior Leadership Award. The award, co-sponsored by the UNCW Alumni Association and the Leadership Center, is given annually to recognize a graduating senior who has exemplified outstanding leadership throughout his or her years at UNCW. Morrow was active in university organizations as well as in the Wilmington community. She served as an orientation leader and resident assistant and was a member of the UNCW University Union Advisory Board. In addition to campus activities, Morrow served as a member of the Linda Lavin Foundation, participated in Habitat for Humanity, blood drives and Hurricane Floyd relief efforts, volunteered at the homeless shelter and tutored at St. Mary’s School. Morrow received a bachelor’s degree in

middle grades education with a concentration in language arts and history.

Martin Jarmond of Fayetteville won the Rachel Freeman Service and Leadership Award. Established by UNCW and the Freeman family in honor of the late “Mae” Rachel Freeman, the award recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated commitment to better the lives of others and to create social change. A four-year letterman on the UNCW men’s basketball team, Jarmond volunteered in numerous community activities including the Big Buddy Program at Winter Park Elementary School. Jarmond also served on the Wilmington hurricane relief team and participated in the March of Dimes Walk-a-thon and the 1898 race relations centennial lectures. He also volunteered as a reader at Wrightsville Beach Elementary School. Jarmond received a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a minor in leadership.

Cancer survivor David Thomas Myers of Durham received the Hoggard Medal, presented annually in honor of the late John T. Hoggard. The award recognizes the graduating senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, has shown the most improvement while a UNCW student. Myers was recruited in 1995 for the men’s swim team. After getting off to a rocky start, Myers replaced his first semester grades of “D” and “F” with better grades when he repeated the courses. By 1997, he had a 3.1 GPA and was working toward a double major in art history and studio art with a minor in history. As Myers neared the end of his academic career, he was diagnosed with cancer in January 2000. Surgical removal of one cancer site was successful, but the cancer had spread to include a tumor in Myers’ abdomen. Chemotherapy was required to shrink the tumor to an operable size. Additional cancer surgery was successful, but Myers’ lost one kidney. Returning to UNCW in January 2001, Myers completed his bachelor’s degree in art history and graduated with a 3.48 GPA. In presenting the Hoggard Medal, Patricia Leonard, UNCW’s vice chancellor for student affairs, said “Faculty and students who have had the privilege of working with Myers regard him to be, without a doubt, one of the most inspiring students that they have had the pleasure to know.” Myers received a standing ovation from his classmates.

The UNCW Alumni Association Scholastic Achievement Award recognized the December 2000 and May 2001 graduates who recorded the highest grade point average in their respective classes and whose academic work was completed exclusively at UNCW.

Susan Hutson of Wilmington was the December honoree. Hutson, who earned a bachelor’s degree in music education, was recognized at the 2:30 p.m. ceremony where her daughter Amie received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.

Lynne Elizabeth Williams of Richmond, Va., and Tracy Michele Wilson of Goldsboro, N.C., tied for the May honor. Williams received a bachelor’s degree in marine biology. Wilson received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.