Patrick Bourne told more than
400 Southeast Community College students Thursday night to be accountable for
their achievements and success, all the while acknowledging their accomplishment
as college graduates.
Bourne, a 1984 graduate of
SCC’s Auto Body program, was the featured speaker during fall commencement exercises
at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. Summer and Fall graduates participated in
the ceremony.
“You persevered and accomplished something so
significant that most of us have not accomplished,” Bourne told the class.
Following Bourne’s graduation from
SCC-Milford, he worked six years in the
auto body industry before going back to college, then law school. He also served
as a state senator for two terms, representing the Eighth District in Omaha. He
now works in the insurance industry.
“My instructors at Milford
urged me to work hard, be a lifelong learner, achieve, and grow, attributes I
still have and use today,” Bourne said. “Success in life and your career is
that you are responsible for your personal and professional growth. Take hold
of the steering wheel.”
Bourne told three stories
that illustrated how perseverance, resilience and community service can go a
long way to achieving one’s goals.
“When things don’t go your
way, what do I do now to prepare myself for the next opportunity?” he said. “I
gave back to my community and personally derived a benefit. Get involved. Build
your network. It takes time, but I promise it will be worth it.”