Speech by Special Guest – Professor Peter Gregson

Thank you, Dr McMillen.

Governors, Principal (Mr Knox), Staff, Students, Ladies and Gentlemen

Rachael and I are delighted to be with you today in Ballyclare High School to take part in this special occasion, and thank you for inviting us.

My role is to say a few words that are appropriate to such a celebration. But, in the belief that brevity is not only the soul of wit but also the secret of a good speech, I will aim to be brief. Perhaps not quite as brief as the artist Salvador Dali when he said: “I will be so brief I have already finished”, and then sat down. Your principal is expecting to have a few moments to order his thoughts, so a surprise like that would be most unwelcome.

I am particularly pleased to be here because there are longstanding links between Ballyclare High School and Queen’s. Two hundred and ten of the School’s former pupils are now students at Queen’s; 64 of these were new entrants last year.

Queen’s and Ballyclare High School have much in common. Both institutions share a commitment to the highest standards of academic achievement, to a fully-rounded student experience, and to encouraging the development in our students of mutual respect, tolerance and self-discipline.

I know that the School aims to develop all facets of its pupils’ potential – not only intellectual but also vocational, moral, physical and social. This mirrors the University’s commitment to what we call the “Queen’s Experience”.

What do I mean by this term? To begin with, I mean the quality of the intellectual challenge on offer at Queen’s. But I also mean the cultural, social and sporting opportunities that students enjoy while they are at Queen’s.

Our commitment to the “Queen’s Experience” is a crucial component of the University’s Vision for the Future which will ensure its position as an international centre of academic excellence rooted in the heart of Northern Ireland.

Three words provide the over-arching theme for the new Vision for Queen’s. They are: “Leading, Inspiring and Delivering”.

“Leading” defines our commitment to deliver a first-class education to our students, who will be tomorrow’s leaders, informed by research which commands world attention.

“Inspiring” underlines our determination to create the conditions which will allow our students and staff to unleash their full potential, while “delivering” focuses on our promise to support these words with actions.

As evidence of our pledge to do what we say we will, we are currently implementing a massive £200 million investment in staff, students and facilities. This includes a state-of-the art new library, the Queen’s Elms student village, major refurbishment of the Physical Education Centre and the Students’ Union, and a range of academic and sporting projects.
We aim, like Ballyclare High School, to provide the best possible experience for all our students. We also want our students to benefit from powerful international connections – an aim which I know resonates with Ballyclare High School, twice winner of the international School Award.

Now, let me turn to the students here today – the most important group in the hall this afternoon– and congratulate all those who have received prizes. This event is a celebration of your achievements and you and your families have every reason to feel proud.

It is customary for the speaker to offer advice. However, I am a little wary of doing so because advice is like castor oil, easy to give but dreadful to take.

Nonetheless, in the spirit of believing that it is better to give than to receive, I will offer one piece of advice for your future lives and careers.

It is this. However well you have done in tests and examinations and however intelligent you may be, do not overemphasise the role that intellectual ability alone will play in your future development and success.

A number of other qualities are required, including determination, tenacity, energy, instinct, and integrity.

One of the most important is ambition. Do not be afraid to aim high and to seize the opportunities which life throws in your way. Have faith in the future. If you look into the sunlight the shadows will fall behind you.

It is more often the actions that you don't take that you regret, rather than the ones that you do.

Mark Twain expressed this very clearly when he said: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Of course I hope you will discover Queen’s and enjoy the “Queen’s Experience” for yourselves, but, wherever you choose to continue your career, I wish you well.

Let me also once again offer you my congratulations for the achievements and endeavours which have been recognised here this afternoon.

I wish you all, individually and collectively, the best for the future and in the words of Abraham Lincoln, “Whatever you are, be a good one”.

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