'Be a contributor,' speaker urges SUU graduates

CEDAR CITY — Southern Utah University graduates were urged on Saturday to become contributors in every aspect of their lives.

"Make your mind up now that you will make a difference," said SUU commencement speaker Stephen Covey to the 1,100 graduates and their families gathered at the Centrum Arena. "No matter where you are or what you're doing, make your mind up now to be a contributor."

Leadership, he said, has nothing to do with position and everything to do with moral authority.

Gandhi, whom Covey called the "father of democracy," helped free millions of his fellow Indians from British oppression by simply using his "moral authority."

"Leadership comes from primary greatness, that's the key," said Covey, who is co-founder and vice chairman of the Franklin Covey Co. with offices in 123 countries. "Become a contributor in all you do."

Contributors ask themselves the question: "What is life expecting of me?" said Covey, and do not question why something bad happens to them.

"We are on this earth to contribute and make a difference," said the author of several international best sellers including "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." "We are all in the same boat. We need to assist and inspire each other."

Covey asked the graduates to believe in their own leadership potential.

"I affirm you will be powerful, ethical, moral leaders for good. Believe it deeply about yourself, regardless of the social mirror or what others may have said to or about you," said Covey, who also received an honorary doctorate degree from the university. "Remember that life itself isn't about me and mine, it's about thee and thine."

Also honored at the convocation with honorary doctorates were Kathryn Berg, an SUU professor emeritus of physical education; Val Clark, an SUU alumnus and orthodontist; and Sen. Tom Hatch, R-Panguitch.

SUU President Steven Bennion, who is leaving his post to become a mission president for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was also honored for his nine years of service to the university.

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