DUBOIS – Senator and Lieutenant Governor Joe Scarnati addressed graduates on Saturday as the featured speaker at the Penn State DuBois commencement ceremonies in the campus gymnasium. Scarnati’s message to the 143 graduates, their families, and friends was that a good work ethic and good attitude are essential to becoming successful.
“I challenge you to reach for the best in yourself, to be positive even when the chips are down, and to make the most out of every opportunity presented to you,” Scarnati said. “How you handle every situation, every obstacle, and every challenge depends on you, and the choices you make.”
The senator has handled a few challenges himself, but ultimately has found great success. He is currently serving his third term representing the 25th district in Pennsylvania, which includes Cameron, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, Potter, Tioga and parts of Clearfield and Warren Counties. A native of Brockway, Scarnati was first elected to the state senate in 2000. He became the President Pro Tempore of the senate in 2007, and assumed the office of Lieutenant Governor upon the death of Catherine Baker Knoll in 2008. Formerly, he was a member of the Brockway Borough Council, and chair of the Jefferson County Republican Party.
Scarnati, himself, sat in the same gymnasium as a graduate of Penn State DuBois in 1982. That year, he earned is degree in business administration, and went into the family restaurant business. During his commencement address, he shared stories about his own background and success, and talked about how he went from the restaurant business, to politics. However, he told students that his path is not the only way to find success and satisfaction in life.
“Clearly, there is no blueprint for how to be successful, but there are key factors in how to set yourself up for success. Some are obvious, such as working hard, being professional, being respectful, and being true to yourself. Some you have to learn and make a part of your everyday life,” he said. However, what the senator stressed most was character; to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.
“You never know who is watching, and as you head out into the unknown, I urge you to remember to carry yourself as if someone is watching,” Scarnati said. “Do the right thing, not because you have to, but because you should.”
Chancellor Anita McDonald expressed her appreciation to Scarnati by presenting him with a copy of the campus history book, Penn State DuBois Proud, with his name embossed on the cover.
McDonald presided over the commencement ceremony and conferred degrees. Senior Instructor in Wildlife Technology Joseph Hummer served as Campus Marshall, and Director of Academic Affairs Debra Straussfogel presented academic awards.
Steve Harmic, Penn State DuBois