Banzhaf advises graduates to Love, listen, learn, lessen, and lead

During 10 years as part of the Pat Tillman Veterans Center at ASU, he said he integrated his previous experiences, many in Chadron and Chadron State College, as a campus pastor, a police officer, adjunct faculty, and Army National Guard platoon sergeant into opportunities to teach, coach, and mentor students.

He told the graduates that CSC professors have taught them how to take what they’ve learned and use it with common sense to achieve success.

“The faculty here took great strides to show you how to integrate what you have learned so you can enter multiple arenas within the job market. I see these diplomas as a way to change the world. I have always said, Chadron State has hometown feels with big time degrees,” Banzhaf said.

He offered five points of practical advice from his book: love, listen, learn, lessen, and lead.

“Love those close to you; love those who wonder by. To live a life of conscious love is the best one you can live. Imagine a world full of new graduates working within their sphere of influence, leading with love. My friends, it could very well change the world,” Banzhaf said.

Banzhaf encouraged graduates to live with intentional love by caring for those close to them as well as strangers they encounter. He said graduates who lead with love within their own spheres of influence have the potential to make a meaningful impact on the world.

He also encouraged the graduates to listen in order to help others feel seen, and to use the time they’ve been given to continue learning.

For his fourth point, Banzhaf urged graduates to lessen stress in their lives, reduce the constant pressure to achieve, and let go of things that hold them back so they can be more open to growth and enlightenment.

In discussing leadership, Banzhaf shared a story from his years as a young father in Chadron. Before leaving for church on Sundays, he would place a roast beef with onions, potatoes, and carrots in the oven so the aroma would greet the family when they returned home. He compared that welcoming feeling to leadership, encouraging graduates to “smell like Sunday morning” to the people they lead by taking time to grow through the experiences and relationships in their lives so they are prepared when called to lead.

Banzhaf’s wife, Jodi, is a CSC alum and former employee. The couple raised their two children, now adults, in Chadron.

CSC President Dr. Jodi Kupper delivered opening remarks and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Kimberly Paddock-O’Reilly gave the welcome and announced graduates. Tianna Martin of Kearney, Nebraska, presented the Opening Moment of Reflection, and Riley Shaw of Lusk, Wyoming, delivered the Closing Moment of Reflection.

Assistant Professor of Mathematics Jordan Haas, recipient of the Nebraska State Colleges Teaching Excellence Award, and Marjean Terrell, vice chair of the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees, also addressed graduates.

The CSC Wind Symphony, directed by Dr. Michael Stephens, performed during the ceremony, ROTC cadets presented the colors, and faculty advisors assisted with the hooding of master’s graduates.