ROMÂNĂ 
ENGLISH VERSION 
Bună ziua! Bun venit la Universitatea Internațională Danubius!
Mă bucur să vă văd pe toți la această ceremonie!
Ma numesc Dr. Steve O. Michael. For the benefit of those of you who have not met me in person, I am a professor of higher education management and finance with the pleasure of serving as the Rector and Chief Executive Officer of Danubius International University. I came to Danubius from Los Angeles, California. It is my role as the Rector to preside over the University’s commencement ceremonies.
Before I begin my opening remarks, I would like to acknowledge the presence of members of the University leadership. First, Dr. Andy Pusca is the President of the Administrative Board. Dr. Georgeta Modiga is the President of the Faculty Senate. Our Guest of Honor, Commencement Speaker, Burlacu Zamfira, the Mayor of Sendreni Municipality. Vice Rectors Stanciu and Raileanu. The University General Counsel, Dr. Gina Goga. Deans, and Department Heads, faculty and staff.
As you can attest, this amphitheater is well decorated. Many volunteer hours have gone into decorating and preparing for this commencement ceremony. Therefore, please join me to thank all the volunteers and staff under the leadership of Victoria Onofrei and Oana Pocovnicu, who worked on the commencement program. Thanks to University interpreter, Dr. Alina Chesca.
In the United States of America where I come from, commencement ceremonies are important joyous occasion, a time of celebration of achievements, a time of reflection in gratitude, and a time of expressing appreciation to supporters. One thing is true, not everyone who starts a journey, completes the journey. And everyone who completes a journey knows that there are important people who sacrificed and supported them. As an American Rector, it is important for me that our commencement ceremonies henceforth reflect the spirit of celebration similar to what I am used to. So, congratulations to all of you who are graduating today. Let’s put our hands together in recognition of their achievements. There is one more group to thank. You did not accomplish your success by yourself. I would like you all to rise and face your relatives, parents, friends, children, families, and supporters to express gratitude to them.
Congratulations Class of 2024. You are the second to graduate under me as the Rector. At last year’s commencement, I stated that a lot is changing at Danubius and the community should expect more changes in the future. You have heard that Rome was not built in a day. So also are great universities. We have a vision to become a model of a global institution in the eastern Europe. Your class is the first to graduate with a new name. Danubius International University. The change in name reflects a redirection and an expansion of vision. Danubius International University will attract a large number of international students from all over the world. To do this, we will expand the disciplines and academic programs significantly. We will become a bilingual institution with programs offered both in English and Romanian. We will recruit international professors along with Romanian professors who can teach in these programs. Danubius International University will become a residential institution and the education that our students receive will prepare them for global leadership. Those who are equipped to succeed internationally will undoubtedly excel nationally.
I am aware of the past and current challenges of the University. The past we cannot control, but the future depends on what we do today. Therefore, as soon to be alumnus of Danubius International University, you are invited to join us to envision a great institution and to pledge your support to the vision of a great, bigger and flourishing Danubius International University. Join me to see what is possible when great minds work together to build for the generations coming behind.
In the same spirit Class of 2024, I am looking at you today, but I see something much bigger than you sitting in front of me. I see a bright future awaiting you. Some of you will get new jobs, some of you will jobs, some of you will be promoted professionally, and some of you will come back for higher degrees. Oh, I see your future with you reaching for the stars, successful, healthy, and happy in life. Now that I have told you your future, it is now your responsibility to work toward it and when you accomplish great things, write back to me so I can share your stories with the students coming behind. Congratulations once more Class of 2024.
Dr. Steve O. Michael,
Rector & CEO
Danubius International University
