The Rev. Lorina Marshall-Blake, president of the $60 million Independence Blue Cross Foundation and vice president of community affairs at Independence Blue Cross, celebrated more than 300 new Penn State Abington graduates at commencement on Friday.
In her remarks, keynote speaker Marshall-Blake praised the Class of 2018’s diversity and noted one of its important commonalities: The chance to apply new skills and knowledge to pursue a calling.
“If you haven’t found your calling yet … keep searching. It’s there,” she told the graduates before delving into three values she believes are crucial to pursuing a calling: servant leadership, community, and courage.
“With the education you’ve received, you have the opportunity to lead but you also have the obligation to serve. Genuine leaders make things better for others, not just for themselves,” she said. “Leadership brings out the best in others. In order to lead, you must serve.”
"If the world you’re living in worries you, remember that you have the skills, the talent, and the dedication to change it. Let that be a source of courage. And when you find that courage, share it with everyone around you," Marshall-Blake said.