This is just the beginning
It's graduation time—time to celebrate the accomplishments of our favorite kindergarten, middle school, high school, undergraduate, or advanced degree students. I’ll be going to my nephew’s graduation in a couple of weeks, and I can't wait to cheer him on. I'm not exactly excited about sitting through the rest of the graduation but then again, I wasn’t excited to sit through my own graduation. At some point a commencement speaker will note that “commencement” means the beginning and that the graduates are embarking on a new start as they conclude their studies. It is just the beginning for them. Hopefully, they won’t be too distracted to take the advice of the commencement speaker. Just in case, there are a few general themes that make their way into many commencement speeches: don’t set limits on what you can do; take risks in life; choose work that you like and then work hard at it; don’t be afraid to fail or make mistakes; talk less and listen more; and my personal favorite, be kind. Author George Saunders said it best during his address to the class of 2013 at Syracuse University: “What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness. Those moments when another human being was there, in front of me, suffering, and I responded … sensibly. Reservedly. Mildly. Or, to look at it from the other end of the telescope: Who, in your life, do you remember most fondly, with the most undeniable feelings of warmth? Those who were kindest to you, I bet. It’s a little facile, maybe, and certainly hard to implement, but I’d say, as a goal in life, you could do worse than: Try to be kinder.” As they start out in their new lives, I hope each graduate learns that they don't have to make a choice between being successful or being kind.
Stay safe and healthy,
Tracy Jacobs
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We’re excited about the upcoming Osher Summer Series. The lecture series starts on June 14 and is open to both Osher members and non-Osher members.
The schedule includes one online-only lecture with the remaining in-person lectures taking place at Edenwald Senior Living in Towson, MD. Each lecture will be approximately 90 minutes, including Q & A. Lecture seating is first-come, first-served. All registrants will receive the Zoom link to attend the July 12 lecture online.
Registration for the Osher 2023 Summer Series is a flat rate of $50 per person for the entire series.
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At Towson University's spring Commencement, many graduating students will wear special stoles showcasing their affiliation and engagement with various groups on campus. Get to know the insignia, communities that honor graduating students' identities and cultures.
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Towson University and Towson Athletics are proud to announce that FREE Movie Night will return to Johnny Unitas® Stadium on Friday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Come out and enjoy a family-friendly event at Towson, with our feature film, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, airing on the videoboard at 7:00 p.m. Fans can park in Lots 4 or 5 and walk through the north gate inside the stadium. Fans can also bring blankets to watch the film from the field or chairs to watch from the track.
There will be free Rita’s Italian Ice available plus fans can purchase Ledo‘s Pizza on site. Those who wish to bring their own food and drinks may do so and eat/drink on the track.
Admission is free to the public. No signup necessary.
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The Baltimore County Government is developing a countywide volunteer center and seeking a civic-minded individual to assist. This 11-month commitment is ideal for someone reimagining retirement and pursuing an encore career.
Enjoy the following benefits:
- Earn a $17,600 living allowance
- Earn a $6,845 post-service education award for yourself or a grandchild
- Make a difference in the community
This is a full-time, 40-hour/week opportunity funded by AmeriCorps, one of the largest national service programs. The program starts in September 2023 and ends in July 2024.
Take advantage of this opportunity by contacting 410-887-2715 or volunteers@baltimorecountymd.gov for more information. Interested applicants will be asked to submit a resume and two references. The application deadline is August 4, 2023.
This opportunity is in partnership with Volunteer Maryland, a recipient of AmeriCorps grant funds.
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Support Osher at Towson University. Your tax-deductible contribution helps to provide a rich experience for our members and a vibrant, affordable program for years to come.
Donate online through the link below. If you prefer to donate by check, please make check payable to “Towson University Foundation, Inc.” and note Osher fund in the memo line. Mail to: Towson University Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 17165, Baltimore, MD 21297-0219.
If you would like to honor a friend or loved one with a donation in their memory, please consider supporting Osher at Towson University with a gift to the Osher Excellence Fund.
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