Houston Texans’ Casserly Tells Grads ‘If You Have A Work Ethic, You’re Special’

SPRINGFIELD, Mass, May 15, 2004 -- At undergraduate ceremonies at Springfield College’s 119th commencement today, Charles J. Casserly, senior vice president of the Houston Texans, told graduates, “The world is full of people with talent but without a work ethic. Our pro bowl teams are filled with people with a work ethic and some talent. If you have that ability to work hard, you’re something special. If you don’t have it, you’d better get it.”

Speaking to an audience of 5,000 people including graduates, college officials and guests at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony on Blake Track on the campus, Casserly also said, “You will have failures, and you can overcome them. Don’t let them beat you down. You’ve got to believe in yourself. The greatest investment you can make is in yourself.” He added, “Success is not always measured in wins and losses and how much money you can make. When you’re given a task, take it to the highest level that it can be taken, and then you are successful.”

Earlier in the event, Casserly received an honorary doctor of humanics degree commending his work ethic, vision, creativity, and organizational skill, as well as his leadership in internship programs in major league football. Springfield College has, historically, awarded honorary degrees to a few outstanding individuals who, by their character and accomplishments, personify the college’s guiding philosophy, humanics. The philosophy emphasizes the dedication of spirit, mind and body for leadership in service to others.

At its 119th commencement, Springfield College awarded 700 bachelor’s degrees. In separate ceremonies on the campus yesterday, the college awarded four doctoral degrees, 375 master’s degrees, four certificates of advanced study, and two physician assistant certificates. Faculty, staff and students from Springfield College’s main campus and nine satellite campuses of its School of Human Services around the country participated in commencement events.

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