Graduates Reflect on Readiness as Speaker Challenges Self-Evaluation

On December 19, 2023, graduates of the University of North Dakota (UND) faced a fundamental question posed by alumna and retired business owner Jill Cholewa: If they were an employer, would they hire themselves? This thought-provoking query was part of her commencement address delivered at three graduation ceremonies held at the Chester Fritz Auditorium in Grand Forks.

Cholewa, who graduated from UND in 1977 and 1979, emphasized the importance of self-reflection as students prepare to enter a competitive job market. “It’s the ultimate test of our readiness for the real world,” she stated, highlighting the demand for genuine, purpose-driven leadership. She reassured graduates that they possess the necessary tools for success through their intellect and character.

Celebrating Achievements and Overcoming Challenges

The ceremonies celebrated the achievements of 545 undergraduates and 311 graduate students, with President Andrew Armacost addressing the audience during the morning’s graduate ceremony. He acknowledged the challenges graduates faced, stating, “You braved the slick roads, the snow, and the wind, and we’re so glad that you would be here. But our students – this day is for you.”

Cholewa, also a recipient of the 2015 Sioux Award for Distinguished Achievement and Leadership, shared insights from her career journey. Alongside her husband, she founded a lumber business in California in 1987 and has actively contributed to UND through scholarships and endowments in various colleges, reflecting her commitment to education and community.

Keys to Success: Lessons for the Future

During her address, Cholewa presented graduates with three lists designed to facilitate self-assessment and success. The first list included four “would you hire?” questions, encouraging students to evaluate their curiosity, resilience, and teamwork capabilities. Among the questions were: “Would you hire you based on your curiosity?” and “Would you hire the version of you that learns from mistakes and comes back wiser?”

Cholewa also referenced Denzel Washington’s eight key components for success, which include hard work, patience, and a positive attitude. These qualities, she explained, are essential for navigating both professional and personal landscapes.

Additionally, she highlighted three personal attributes crucial for success: the willingness to listen, the courage to be vulnerable, and a spirit of servitude. Cholewa urged graduates to become active listeners and to embrace new perspectives. “The greatest leaders are not those who demand to be served but those who see their roles as one of service to others,” she remarked.

By challenging graduates to question their worth, Cholewa offered a compass for personal and professional growth. She reminded them not to overlook their progress over the last four years and encouraged them to trust in their abilities as they embark on new journeys.

“The real value of your degree lies in what you do with it to improve the lives of your colleagues, your community, and the world,” she concluded, leaving the audience with a powerful message of purpose and potential.