Vladimir Chindea’s valedictory address at May 22’s leaving class ceremony was eloquent and relevant, and its inclusive message was incredibly well-received by students, faculty and community members alike. In his remarks, Chindea called upon his fellow students to challenge inequality, enter the next stage of their lives bravely and with purpose, and to cherish the bonds they’ve forged throughout their time at UCC. Speaking specifically about the importance of pluralism — a key value reflected in our Strategic Directions — Chindea said, “It is remarkable to realize how much we all grow and how far we all go when listening to people’s different voices. Let’s not be afraid to…build these beautiful bonds with individuals who are outside our community, especially when tackling the greatest challenges of our time.”