Antwan Da’vian Latray Mercer, CGUS Valedictorian, Fall 2023 “As we stand on the cusp of a new chapter, it is essential to reflect on the transformative journey that has brought us to this moment. College wasn’t just about textbooks and exams; it was a crucible of growth, perseverance and camaraderie. In the classrooms we not only absorbed valuable principles but discovered our passions and honed the skills that will define our futures. Our peers and professors played pivotal roles in sculpting the individuals we are today. Think about the friendships forged during late-night study sessions or the shared laughter that echoed throughout these hallways. These bonds have woven our class together, creating a community that transcends the boundaries of a typical college experience. Together we have formed a foundation of diversity in thought, background and interest that will continue to inspire us as we move forward.” Bastian Fischer, COC Valedictorian, Fall 2023 I found my why during the second quarter with the passing of my grandpa. He left this world peacefully – his heart stopped. One of the main contributors to his cardiovascular failure was pulmonary hypertension. His death always made me wonder: what could I have done? Especially after hearing the story of one of our very own chiropractors sitting in the audience today, Dr. LaMarche, who also suffered from pulmonary hypertension. Dr. LaMarche even planned his own funeral. Yet, he’s still with us today. So, what was the difference between my grandpa and Dr. LaMarche? The answer is pretty short and sweet: chiropractic care. Emma Renee Fredlund- Adams, CGUS Valedictorian, Winter 2024 In December 2021, my rugby team found themselves competing for a national title. It was only a couple of minutes into the second half of our semifinal game that my world took an unexpected turn – an injury. The dislocation of my patella was initially perceived as a minor setback that would momentarily sideline me. It then unfolded into a two-year recovery from an ACL reconstruction. This seemingly insurmountable hurdle not only questioned my physical prowess but also cast shadows on my mental fortitude. The physical pain was undeniably challenging, but the toll on my mental health was equally profound. In moments of uncertainty and setbacks, doubts about my ability to recover, both physically and mentally, loomed large. It became a period of intense introspection, where the very essence of my identity as a student-athlete faced a rigorous examination. Within those uncertain and challenging moments, I discovered an inner strength I never knew existed, a resilience anchored in the mental discipline honed through years of athletic pursuits. These late nights, once reserved for academics, transformed into sacred spaces for healing and rebuilding. The camaraderie I forged on and off the field took on a new dimension, evolving into a robust system that extended beyond victories to embrace vulnerability. Setbacks do not define us; they refine us. True success lies in the resilience we demonstrate in the face of adversity and the lessons learned from both triumphs and setbacks. Fellow graduates, let’s carry forward this wisdom, recognizing that our mental resilience is not just a tool; it’s a superpower. It embodies the strength to endure, the wisdom to learn and the courage to persevere. Let this celebration not only acknowledge our academic accomplishments but recognize the indomitable spirit that unites us as resilient graduates. Delainey Elizabeth Finger, COC Valedictorian, Winter 2024 I also learned a lot about myself as I spent more time alone than I ever have in my 25 years of life. I learned to find contentment in loneliness, and I learned to fully lean on the promise of God’s faithfulness and His plan for my life, even in uncertain times. But the real reason I went to South Dakota was to learn how to be a great chiropractor. One of the first things I learned was that every single person’s nervous system is precious and worthy of specific, subluxation-based chiropractic care, regardless of what they look like on the outside. Even though many patients I saw looked, talked, and lived differently than what I had been used to, they each taught me something valuable. There’s one last thing I learned in Spearfish. At the end of the day, the achievements we earn, the letters in front of our names, and the degrees framed on our walls are not the most important things about our careers. The patients sitting in front of us—their lives, the health of their nervous systems, and their futures—are what truly matter. And finally, to my fellow brand-new Doctors of Chiropractic, as we begin this exciting, crazy, and amazing adventure, remember to never judge a book by its cover; hold true to the values in your heart, even if they’re unpopular; and always prioritize people work over paperwork. We’ve been handed an important task, and it’s one we are well- equipped to handle. Let’s go heal some nervous systems. NEWS AND EVENTS OF LIFE UNIVERSITY EXCERPTS FROM VALEDICTORIAN SPEECHES 7 Alumni.life.edu | 2024
