UND Graduates Challenged to Reflect on Their Worth at Ceremony

During the graduation ceremonies at the University of North Dakota (UND) on December 19, 2023, alumna Jill Cholewa posed a thought-provoking question to the graduates: If you were an employer, would you hire yourself? This challenge aimed to encourage personal reflection among the 545 undergraduate and 311 graduate students ready to embark on their professional journeys.

Cholewa, who graduated from UND in both 1977 and 1979, emphasized that self-assessment is crucial for readiness in a competitive job market. “It’s the ultimate test of our readiness for the real world,” she stated. “You are entering a world hungry for genuine, purpose-driven leadership.” Her message resonated with the graduates, urging them to recognize that impactful contributions do not require prestigious titles.

Celebrating Achievements and Overcoming Challenges

The ceremonies took place in the Chester Fritz Auditorium, where President Andrew Armacost welcomed attendees amid wintry conditions. “Today is a day of celebration,” he remarked, acknowledging the difficult travel conditions the graduates faced. Armacost encouraged the graduates to appreciate their accomplishments, stating, “This day is for you.”

Cholewa, who co-founded a successful lumber business in California with her husband in 1987, is also a known philanthropist, having established multiple endowments at UND. Her insights during the ceremonies included three lists aimed at guiding students on their paths to success. She shared four reflective questions regarding self-employment readiness and referenced eight key principles for success articulated by actor Denzel Washington.

Keys to Personal and Professional Success

Among the questions Cholewa posed were: Would you hire you based on your curiosity? Would you hire the version of you that learns from setbacks? And would you hire you based on your ability to collaborate with others? These questions encourage graduates to critically evaluate their strengths and weaknesses as they transition into the workforce.

Cholewa also highlighted Washington’s eight key attributes for success: hard work, patience, sacrifice, consistency, discipline, self-confidence, a positive attitude, and focus. She believes these qualities are foundational in both personal and professional settings.

Additionally, she identified three essential qualities for sustained success: the willingness to listen, the courage to be vulnerable, and a commitment to service. By fostering open communication and embracing diverse perspectives, Cholewa urged graduates to create environments where collaboration thrives. “The greatest leaders,” she said, “are those who see their roles as one of service to others.”

In concluding her remarks, Cholewa reminded graduates that the true value of their degrees lies in how they use their skills to enhance the lives of others. She encouraged them to reflect on their growth over the past four years, reinforcing the importance of self-trust as they move forward. “Trust in yourselves to keep going,” she advised the graduates, who are now equipped to navigate the challenges of the professional world.