"I believe in you because I was you."
Those were a few of the words of advice from Heidelberg distinguished alumni John Buccigross, ’88, as he addressed the graduating Class of 2017 Sunday.
Buccigross, co-host of ESPN’s SportsCenter weeknights, titled his address “Superheroes.” And then he became one.
His main message was about finding happiness.
“Usually, I’m a man wearing makeup talking about sports, but today, I’m a man wearing makeup talking about happiness,” he said.
Remember, happiness does not follow success. Success follows happiness.
Buccigross learned this life lesson from Ed and Mary, his 85-year-old parents who adopted him at 6 months. “I got the best. I hit the biological and adoptive parent lottery,” he said. “… They always believed in me, always rooted for me and were very affectionate.”
“That alone gives me so much to be grateful for and to do unto others as it was done unto me. … That’s the key to happiness.” Some people falsely believe that winning the lottery or getting a promotion will lead them there. Not true, Buccigross said.
The best way to find happiness is to be grateful, be optimistic and do for others.
Heidelberg also is a place that brings Buccigross happiness. “Some of you might not come back for 20 years. Others can’t wait to leave and others are pained by the prospect of leaving. This has become a home you’ve built with friends and professors you love. That was me. You do not leave a place without being followed by it,” said the communication and theatre arts grad who returns annually to campus to interact with students and reconnect with faculty mentors and friends.
To the graduating seniors, Buccigross had some practical advice: “Decide what you want and go get it. To get happy, hug it out, Bro. Don’t text – touch. Be patient with yourself. Embrace lifelong learning. If you’re on the schedule, work.”
And if you’re good at what you do … if what you do makes you happy … you just might get a contract extension from ESPN! Buccigross announced he had re-signed with the network for five more years on Saturday.
In keeping with his superheroes theme, Buccigross shed his shoes, his graduation robe, then his tie, shirt and pants to reveal his SportsCenter superhero bodysuit, showing that everyone is capable of being a superhero!
As is tradition, one graduate student and one undergrad were selected to speak on behalf of their class. Brady Gibson, who received his MBA degree, titled his remarks “It’s about the Journey, not the Destination.” Bethany Beaver, who graduated with a double major in political science and religion, spoke about “Harvard of Ohio.”
On Saturday, the Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer set the stage for Commencement Weekend with an inspiring baccalaureate message. In his sermon about letting the little toils of love change the world, Dorhauer, the ninth General Minister and president of the United Church of Christ, said, “Society will give you every reason to fear the stranger among you. Resist, and orient toward the stranger with love.”
In all, Heidelberg presented diplomas to 261 students – 47 graduate students and 214 undergrads – who now join about 15,000 in Heidelberg’s alumni family. “It’s been our privilege to nurture you. I encourage you to continue to make your institution stronger,” President Rob Huntington said.