Congressman receives CSC Distinguished Alumni Award
During ceremonies Saturday afternoon, U.S. Rep. Tim Walz said he was grateful for the opportunities he received at the school and was honored to receive its Distinguished Alumni Award. Earlier in the day, Walz spoke at the undergraduate commencement exercises.
A native of north central Nebraska and now in his fourth term as the congressman from Minnesota’s First District, Walz thanked college officials in attendance for providing middle class families like his the opportunity for their children to earn a college education.
“The professors at this college wanted us to succeed,” Walz said. “The door was always open for us to learn and to grow. We got a great base for future success. I believe the record shows that we have been able to go on and compete very well.”
“A healthy and educated populace creates economic and national security. We have the right of self-governance which was paid for with blood. We need more critical thinkers like the students who graduated from CSC today,” he said.
A 1989 graduate of Chadron State, Walz noted the nation’s youth are its greatest resource.
“We must continue to produce leaders,” he stated. “It’s our civic and social responsibility.”
Walz said the current generation feels challenged and some have lost faith in the system.
“We’ve got to restore that faith so the people of America will continue to believe in the future,” he said.
Walz thanked the college for recognizing him, but noted it brings a responsibility.
“I am deeply honored,” he said. “What I do is a reflection on my family and on this institution. I want to make you proud and will continue to do my best.”
Category: Campus News, Chadron State Alumni & Foundation, Commencement