Sportswriter and alumnus delivers 2000 Commencement address

Mitchell intructs graduates to enjoy the ride of life

Award-winning veteran Chicago Tribune sportswriter Fred Mitchell has covered just about everything in his 26-year career with the Chicago Tribune, including NBA finals, Super Bowls and the World Series.

He has met such athletic greats as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and the late Walter Payton. He has been honored by the Washington Journalism Review and the Chicago Tribune for outstanding writing and coverage of his assignments.

But as he stood at the Commencement podium and surveyed the sea of black caps and gowns, it was his time at Wittenberg and his own graduation 31 years ago that took precedence.

As I look out over the audience here on Mother’s Day weekend, I recall having my parents sitting in the crowd, beaming with pride and supporting me in all of my endeavors, whether it was on the football field or in academic pursuits,” Mitchell said.

This “brings me to the essence of what I would like to impart to you graduates today. And that is: learning to appreciate the moment.”

A Wittenberg Athletic Hall of Honor inductee, Mitchell urged the 384 graduates to “learn to value and cherish what we have accomplished at various stages of our lives.

Whether planning to attend graduate school or making a career choice is keeping you up at night, remember to take a deep breath, enjoy the ride, and be mindful that important lessons can be learned from all of the decisions we make in life.”

A 1969 graduate of Wittenberg, Mitchell stood before the seniors as a symbol of success — success he attributes to his Wittenberg education.

“I can tell you from personal experience that Wittenberg has prepared you well from both a practical and theoretical standpoint.

The writing skills emphasized by this nationally renowned liberal arts institution will serve you well in communicating those brilliant ideas and concepts the world is waiting to hear from you,” he said.

Since graduating from Wittenberg, Mitchell has taken pride in extolling the virtues of Wittenberg to whoever would listen. “You might be surprised at how many famous athletes and sports personalities know about Wittenberg,” he told the Class of 2000.

“Michael Jordan has heard of Wittenberg. Mike Ditka and Don Shula have heard about Wittenberg. Tiger Woods and his father, Earl Woods, have heard about Wittenberg. Controversial Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis has heard about Wittenberg.

In fact, Davis attended Wittenberg for a year. The late Walter Payton heard more about Wittenberg than he wanted to hear about Wittenberg,” Mitchell noted.

“Similarly, you will become an ambassador for Wittenberg wherever your travels and experiences take you,” Mitchell added. “The lessons, memories and friendships of these past four years will have a lifetime impact on you.”

Mitchell also implored the graduates to hold fast to their values. “You young graduates will be faced with many moral and ethical decisions in your personal lives and careers, with perhaps more peer pressure than you have faced already in your lives.

Just keep this simple advice in mind: ‘If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.’”

In addition, Mitchell stressed the importance of people skills in this increasingly impersonal computer age that seems to defy direct human interaction.

“All of the most distinguished college academic credentials certainly will open many doors of opportunity. But those who are able to foster a spirit of cooperation, teamwork and harmony are the ones who will be most successful and happy in the long run.”

Moreover, Mitchell encouraged the graduates to be patient as they enter the “real” world.

“Please be advised that the world may not be ready to roll out the red carpet for you immediately. Please, be patient. Be indulgent, yet also be prepared,” he said. “But for now, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.”