"As a public university, our obligation is bigger than just our own graduates. Not everyone can study at a place like this, and there can’t be just one promising pathway to success. We are focused on building those pathways not just for our students, but for people across our state."
"Carolina has a history of navigating tough issues and, together, we will continue making progress to enhance community safety and improve lives across our community. We take a lot of pride in being one of the best college towns in the nation, and we will do everything possible to maintain that recognition."
Doug’s tenure at Carolina began more than three decades ago, and he retires from a school that has grown in size, impact and reputation under his leadership.
"All of us are here today by the grace of our own hard work and the generosity of others. It takes both. The teachers and family members who have cheered you on; the generations of North Carolinians who have worked and sacrificed to build this university; the friends and classmates who steadied you over the last few years and celebrated alongside you."
"You have proven just how capable you are of overcoming adversity and seizing the opportunities that uncertainty presents. I can’t wait to see what you accomplish."
"The ideal of a public university — a place at once deeply enmeshed in the world and set apart from it — has always been fragile. The success of this place was never a foregone conclusion, and it still isn’t. But every generation has proven that this fragile ideal is a powerful call to action. It took the hard work and dedication of thousands of Tar Heels since our founding."
"You are here today because someone believed in you and in the possibility for you to do great things. That belief hasn’t changed. We all still believe in you. If there’s one thing you hear today, I want you to hear this: we, your family your faculty, the administration, and I – we all imagine incredible, out of this world, unbelievable possibilities for you."
"If there is anything you have learned here at Carolina, I hope it’s that there is still so much that you don’t yet know. Keep learning and growing. Keep asking questions, especially of the people who have different experiences, who are unique, who see the world differently than you do."
"This university is founded on the idea that things can get better. We must always be part of that change."
"Today, as you graduate and leave a place you call home, I urge you to be heroes. To not just see and hear about the needs of our world, but to respond. To see the problems of others and make them your own."
"Today, I am humbled and honored to become Carolina’s 12th chancellor. I’m prepared to lead us forward with purpose, humility and vision."
"There are many principles that could guide our work as the leading global public research university. But I believe Hooker’s vision is our foundation. We are here today to emphasize that one reason: Carolina is here to serve North Carolina."
"This is our hope for you at Carolina: that you would learn to navigate the stars."
"Here at Carolina, we embrace our rich traditions while focusing on innovation and our future as the leading global public research university. You epitomize that future, and we are excited to celebrate your accomplishments today."