Susan Adams,
Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Campus Life,
Texas Christian University

Greetings to students, faculty, staff, Chair Janowitz, trustees, family, and friends of Naropa University and Dr. Stuart Lord.  It is an honor to be with you today to bring greetings from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.  Chancellor Boschini, former Chancellor Tucker, Vice Chancellor Mills, former classmates and friends from TCU are especially proud of Dr. Lord--one of our distinguished graduates—and I speak for them all this morning. 

In Texas a greeting is one word—HOWDY”—in fact, welcome week for all new TCU students is called “Howdy Week”—so I bring a special Texas HOWDY as an official TCU greeting.  And I have the pleasure of personally congratulating you on behalf of your alma mater, Texas Christian University and its Board of Trustees, Dr. Lord.

Let me tell you a little about Texas Christian University- now a major teaching and research university of nearly 10,000 students. It was founded on the prairies of Texas in 1873 by two ministers who were brothers -- Addison and Randolph Clark and their wives.  They had returned to Texas after the Civil War and “peace, love and education “ were their goals.  They named the new school, AddRan College for Men and Women—the only higher education opportunity for women on the Texas frontier in those early days.  Their religious beliefs were inclusive, and the brothers held faith, family, and friends as cornerstone founding values --which still exist there now-- 136 years later.  This is a special place for learning—and a special place to Dr. Lord.  I’ve noticed many wonderful similarities between Naropa and TCU and so what a great match between this community and Dr. Lord.  Special people make a place unique—and in the two days here with you all, I have noticed—clearly --this is a very special place where extraordinary things happen because of your commitments.

Students, I’d like to talk specifically to you for a moment.  Your commitment to learning, action and involvement with each other is the most important priority, isn’t it?  The more you give to the community, the more significant your own growth will be.  You will hear this time and time again—and notice in your own life how true this is.  I clearly remember the time some 30 years ago when I met young Stuart Lord.  First of all, his accent stood out—he certainly didn’t speak Texan—all his words had a distinct New York accent.  I assume you’ve noticed that too.  Stanley, Stuart’s twin brother reminded me last night that Stuart came to TCU to run track.  I think he came to TCU “to run” and be involved in everything!  He quickly became an active student leader in student government and programming council —and creating new things left and right!   I was a program advisor then so we got to know each other very well as we worked on projects together over the years.  He’d fire up a group with his enthusiasm- charge up a meeting, or make some thoughtful gesture to a friend and be calm and focused.   I challenge you to challenge him as he challenged us—his advisors and teachers, when he was a student.  Learn with him and from him.   Stuart was –and is a spiritual seeker, a caregiver, an environmentalist and yes- a bookworm,--and above all –a creative committed leader.  He knows the power of listening and he loves/ thrives on hard work.  To quote Naropa student trustee, Phil Battos – “this is a dynamic time at Naropa” – and we have felt that too in our brief visit here and you are welcoming today – a very dynamic leader.

Another important way to know Dr. Lord is through fun times and lots of laughter.  He understands the power of humor and can laugh at himself heartily and he knows the importance of balancing a busy and spiritual life with pure fun and joyful times.

In closing,  Joseph Marshall’s collection of his wise Lakota grandfather’s lessons shared with all of us in his book titled, Keep Going, the Art of Perseverance, are very powerful teachings.  To quote: “Grandfather says this: The weakest step toward the top of the hill, toward sunrise, toward hope, is stronger than the fiercest storm.  Grandfather says this: “Keep going”.

Again, wise teaching.  I know you will keep going—and learning --with hope, with faith, with joy.  I sincerely wish you great success…