I am honored to join in the celebration of your success, and recognize the effort, sacrifice, resilience and commitment you invested to make your graduation possible.
As we work through these unprecedented times, we look forward to the light at the end of the tunnel, the break in the clouds and to better days ahead. Your graduation is one of those better days!
You have shown your strength, grit and light through the dark times we are facing; your courage and determination has fanned the flame of your success. At this moment, we celebrate the joy of your achievements. And, as you commence on whatever pathway you have chosen for yourself, it will be your choice to keep that flame burning brightly and it will cast a light on the path into your future of what is yet to be. What is yet to be is up to you!
Life has been a challenge over these past few months, for everyone. Yet, you have been an inspiration as you have preserved, stayed the course and held onto your dreams and goals.  In these days, and weeks ahead, whenever you feel your resolve fading, call it back and renew it; keep that light inside you burning bright. Be proud of all that you have accomplished and take pride in how far you have come; this is a gift you can give yourself over and over. You deserve to feel great about your life and so proud of your graduation.
You are our future. There is a world out there starving for new leadership, new ideas and new connections, and I know you, the Class of 2020, will generate them. I wish you nothing better than a positive attitude, a belief in yourself and a connection of friendships and relationships that matter. Keep your light burning bright, your resolve strong and continue moving towards your goals and dreams. Congratulations class of 2020!

Dr. Dianne Van Hook
Chancellor, College of the Canyons