FORMER NFL PLAYER JOE KLECKO CHALLENGES CALDWELL COLLEGE CLASS OF 2008 TO BE COURAGEOUS
College Honors Graduates at Commencement Ceremonies
Former New York Jets star player Joe Klecko told Caldwell College graduates that being courageous is one of the toughest things to do in life, but also one of the most important ideals that they must strive for in their daily lives.
Caldwell College President Sister Patrice Werner, O.P., Ph.D. awarded degrees Sunday May 18 to 408 graduates, including 269 undergraduates and 139 master’s students.
Klecko and Thomas Ferguson, former Chairman and CEO of CommonHealth USA, and generous philanthropist, received honorary degrees at the Commencement ceremonies.
Klecko, a four time football pro-bowler, told a packed gymnasium on Caldwell’s campus that that in order to achieve any kind of good, overcome fears, resist evil and be able to take risks in life, they must have courage. Klecko, who was the first member of what would become one of the most feared defensive front fours in the history of the NFL – The New York Sack Exchange, told the class of 2008 that the most challenging next step in their lives would be facing the job market.
Klecko, who is also a member of Catholic Athletes for Christ, an organization with a mission to serve Catholic athletes and share the Gospel of Christ in and through athletics, pointed out that the Bible does not suggest being not afraid. Rather, he said, the Bible clearly states numerous times, “Be not afraid”. The Bible, he also said, does not suggest being strong. It clearly states, “Be strong”.
In contrast to a society that is often focused on self-interest, Klecko cited leaders who looked beyond themselves—President John F. Kennedy who said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” and Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who with God’s help and courage, was able to embrace, care for and give those suffering from leprosy dignity in their lives.
Caldwell College President Sister Patrice Werner, O.P., Ph.D. spoke of how graduation is a time of mixed emotions—joy, love, pride, gratitude, sorrow, and “perhaps a certain fear of what lies ahead.” Nobel Peace Prize Winner Dag Hammarskjold in his journal Markings, Sister Patrice said, captured some of this fear when he wrote: “Tomorrow, you will have to play a much more difficult piece—tomorrow, when the audience is beginning to listen for wrong notes, and you no longer have me in the wings, then we shall see what you can really do.” She told the graduates that as they “leave Caldwell College today, my hope and prayer for each of you is that you will leave confident that your journey here at Caldwell—the knowledge gained, skills developed, friendships formed—will enable you to play well the more difficult pieces that await you in the years ahead.” And she said that her hope was that they would use some of their time and talents “to make the world a brighter place and that people will be better for having known you and accompanied you on your journey.”
Ferguson, who has been very active in community affairs in New Jersey and nationally, served three terms on the Caldwell College Board of Trustees, and has been a significant benefactor of the College, encouraged the graduates to stay connected to Caldwell and help make a wonderful college, an even better college.