Ambassador Cloud Congratulates Vytautas Magnus University School of Law Graduates

Vytautas Magnus University Law School, Kaunas
June 21, 2008

Good morning Rector Lydeka, Dean Sedbaras, faculty, parents, family, friends, and most of all, the Vytautas Magnus University School of Law Class of 2008. Congratulations on your graduation, and thank you for the honor of allowing me to be a part of it.

Pivotal moments in life such as the day you graduate from law school are always a time to reflect, to reflect on what you have accomplished and to reflect on the road ahead. 

You have worked very hard for the past three years, and likely for many years prior, to be here today.  You have demonstrated personal discipline, stamina, and a sense of purpose to attain this.  You have achieved something unique in Lithuania -- the diploma you will walk across this stage to receive in just a few minutes signifies much more than an ordinary law degree.  You now have the preparation to help your country in its efforts to create a just, equitable society and to help it implement the rule of law in the political, economic, and the social realm.  In addition, some of you have taken the additional opportunity to prepare yourselves to embark on a journey through the global society we find ourselves in today.  The Certificate in Transnational Law from Michigan State University College of Law has equipped you with the tools to not only to make a major contribution to the future of Lithuania and Europe, but also to help shape this evolving world. 

You stand at a special place in the world.  More than many other countries, Lithuania embodies the rapidly occurring changes in the world.  I do not have to tell you that just twenty years ago, when you were taking your first steps as students towards this very day, Lithuania was a very different place.  Lithuania has embraced new ideas in government and in business to become a strong democracy espousing free-market ideals. .  Lithuania has embraced new technologies to become a modern society.  Lithuania physically stands at the edge of Europe but it is the heart and future of a modern Europe.  You are the future of Europe. 

In the United States, before taking up their new duties, our newly-minted lawyers must take an oath to uphold our constitution and to use their knowledge of the law for the betterment of society and the improvement of the legal system.  As you can see, the diploma you will receive today comes not only with privileges but also with responsibilities. 

One of your most important obligations in this new life is to search for the truth.  You have learned how to examine the world around you and how to assess and evaluate the pieces of the puzzle before you.  You have learned to formulate reasoned explanations and sensibly represent your ideas.  You have a responsibility to seek out those who do not think like you do and share these truths.  Scientists and researchers do this every day by testing boundaries and exploring new frontiers.  The vision of ingenuity and innovative thought is, however, not limited to molecules and machines.  New ideas are what propel our world forward.  There are always unknown territories to explore and as yet unimagined paths to a common good.  When we question old ways in order to imagine and create better ones, we can move the whole  world in a direction that makes it better.  We can move closer to the truth.

The unique learning environment of Vytautas Magnus University has already equipped you with new ideas through your interactions with students and faculty from different countries and different cultures.  Hold on to this and carry it forward with you.  The world depends on the common values of tolerance, generosity, and social justice that you have all had the good fortune to experience in the very special law program that you have just completed.  The education you have received has enabled you to see the connections between what happens in your own Lithuanian communities and the global communities around the world.

Use this unique education courageously.  Look into the future and try to see what is coming, try to see the evolution you strive for.  Be not just a modern Lithuanian, but be a modern European and be a modern citizen of the world.  Be a part of the strong network of policymakers, thinkers, journalists, nonprofit leaders, and business leaders that is one of the cornerstones of today's transatlantic partnership.

A year ago, I came to Kaunas to celebrate with President Adamkus the 85th anniversary of U.S.-Lithuanian diplomatic relations.  Our 85 year The strong ties between our countries have built a valuable strategic partnership and a deep and longstanding national friendship.  Our job now is to take that relationship to the next level.  I believe we can all agree that in this evolving world, this relationship is being tested.  This is the time for new ways of thinking and new ways of reaching out and building connections.

The Lithuanian Constitutional Court Judge Toma Birmontiene recently noted that, "one of the key freedoms people have is the freedom to be creative.  Creativity can not be stopped by any repressive measures; it can only be stopped by the lack of one's knowledge and talent."  If you don't transform the world, someone else will.  If you want the world to reflect your vision and your ideals, you will have to roll up your sleeves and become an innovator.

My final words of advice to you are to look for those opportunities to give something back.  Sometimes in the fast-moving world we live in today, it can be easy to overlook the real contributions people can and do make.  I, myself, have been very lucky to lead a fortunate life.  I have been blessed with a supporting family, excellent educational opportunities, and a satisfying, challenging career.  All throughout my life, I have always followed one principle eloquently put into words by Albert Einstein - "it is every man's obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it."  This is why I have always been a strong supporter of civic and community involvement.  There is a wonderful law of nature that the three things we crave most in life -- happiness, freedom, and peace of mind -- are always attained by giving them to someone else. 

This day of ceremony is a marker of gifts received, aspirations fulfilled, hard work rewarded.  It has been my privilege to share it with you and your families.  Once again, my congratulations to the Class of 2008 on a job well done.  I wish you a future that is challenging and rewarding, a future that provides you every opportunity to create the life -- and the world -- you imagine. Best wishes to you all.