Crouse advises master's graduates to plan their legacies

During her speech in Memorial Hall, she challenged the 96 graduates to purposely build legacies rather than leave them to chance.

“Behave as though a young person idolizes you, become a listening mentor and perform as a role model, always on stage,” she said.

She believes the legacy a person’s builds outside the world of work is often more important than career accomplishments.

Inviting audience members and graduates to pause and think of their childhood idols, Crouse asked them to consider why they idolized these individuals.

She shared an example of a public figure who influenced her as a youngster. Secretary-General of the United Nations Dag Hammarskjold impressed her with his efforts to build peace and establish the U.N.

“He was a peaceful-appearing man who had no idea a young girl in Kansas looked up to him and learned from him. I couldn’t have expressed these feelings then, but looking back, I realize how much a faraway man influenced me,” she said.

She cited the research of noted educator Dr. Morris Massey which maintains young children go through distinct developmental stages including an initial phase called imprinting, which shapes their basic values.

“My challenge to you is to see if your behavior is what you think should be idolized. Watch who is watching you,” she said.

Assuming the familiar and comfortable role of teacher, Crouse challenged those in attendance to reflect on the characteristics of their mentors and consider acquiring the same characteristics in the process of becoming a mentor.

Regarding the role model facet of building a legacy, Crouse offered her insight.

“Avoid expecting perfection, invest in and value relationships and maintain a balanced perspective, avoiding dominance. You have a responsibility to help others achieve. I challenge you to build a legacy rather than just let it happen,” she said.

—Tena L. Cook, Marketing Coordinator