Commencement Speaker Reminds Graduates Character is Key

05/02/09

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University bestowed degrees on more than 600 students at the annual commencement ceremony today. Keynote speaker Dr. Robert Turknett ’64, chief executive officer of Turknett Leadership Group, ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ spoke to graduates about how their attitudes will affect their opportunities for success.

“Self-confidence is critical to success,” Turknett said. “The edge that you need to succeed is in your own mind.”

Acknowledging graduates would want to hear his advice as to how to get a job in this economy, he emphasized that character is the key to success. “Your character is your destiny, not your personality,” he said. “And, keep asking yourself in whatever choices you make what is the respectful and responsible thing to do.”   Turknett also said that to grow in emotional mastery we have to develop the thinking of Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher that stated it's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters. “Too often we settle for a life of melodrama and unnecessary upset,” he said.   Turknett ended by quoting Arthur Ashe, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

After earning his bachelor's degree in business from JU, Turknett went on to earn his doctorate in psychology from the University of Georgia in 1971. Prior to co-founding Turknett Leadership Group, Turknett was in private practice for 10 years and also the co-founder of the Georgia Psychological Health Network and Chief Psychologist for several mental health and hospital systems.

Turknett gave each graduate a copy of the book he published, along with business and life partner Lyn, “Decent People, Decent Company: How to Lead with Character at Work and in Life.”  The book is based on the Turknett Leadership Character Model, which they believe describes the kind of character all of us need to lead effectively.  

An honorary doctor of business and commerce degree was conferred on Turknett. “Robert is a great example to our graduates of just how far you can go if you have the right attitude,” said Romesburg. “We’re proud to honor this distinguished alumnus for his integrity and self-confidence.”

The graduates included 532 undergraduates receiving bachelor's degrees, and 186 of those are nursing students.  Master's degrees were bestowed on 124 graduate students, including 20 in nursing, 9 in education and2 in mathematics. 

The University's Navy ROTC Program commissioned 16 graduating seniors. JU's NROTC program also serves students at the University of North Florida and Florida Community College at Jacksonville.

Anton Axelsson was honored with the prestigious Fred B. Noble Medal for Scholarship for achieving a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

The University also presented two prominent service awards – the Presidential Award for Leadership to Brent Knoblauch and the University Award for Outstanding Service and Co-curricular Involvement to Matthew Fults.

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