George Myhal, Convocation 2018 Honorary Degree Recipient

TL;DR

University degrees are valuable and rare, and graduates must focus on lifelong learning, decision-making, and teamwork to tackle future challenges.

Transcript

Chancellor Patten, President Gertler, Dean Amon, former Dean Charles, distinguished members of the platform party, parents, guests, and most importantly, graduates. Wow, what an incredible honour. And truly a surprise. I never expected to be up on this podium again. It's always nice to be recognized, but what makes this truly special is that it's f... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑 University degrees are valuable and rare, with only one in four adult Canadians having one.
• 👶 Technology is rapidly changing, creating both new opportunities and challenges.
• 🪡 Graduates need to focus on lifelong learning, decision-making, and teamwork to succeed in their future careers.
• 💦 Good education and hard work are essential, but a bit of luck can also contribute to future success.
• ❓ Addressing the challenges of the future requires more than just technical solutions. Social issues and implications of technology must also be considered.
• ♿ Basic knowledge is becoming less valuable due to easy accessibility through the internet and digital assistants.
• 💦 Successful individuals possess a thirst for knowledge, confidence in decision-making, and the ability to work well with others.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the speaker address the value of a university degree?

The speaker compares the graduates to a $100 bill, highlighting their value and rarity. Only one in four adult Canadians holds a university degree, making them special.

Q: Is basic knowledge becoming less valuable?

Yes, the speaker acknowledges that basic knowledge is becoming ubiquitous due to the internet and digital assistants like Alexa and Siri. This could lead some to question the value of education.

Q: What challenges does the speaker mention that graduates need to address?

The speaker mentions climate change, income inequality, nuclear proliferation, genetic engineering, and global pandemics as significant challenges that graduates need to tackle.

Q: What character traits does the speaker believe are important for success?

The speaker identifies three character traits: a thirst for knowledge and learning, the confidence to make decisions even with imperfect information, and the ability to work collaboratively and solve problems as part of a team.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker is honored to receive an honorary degree and congratulates the graduates on their achievement.

• The $100 bill symbolizes the value and rarity of a university degree, with only one in four adult Canadians having one.

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of addressing the challenges of the future, which require more than technical solutions.