In this edition of ND Today, become better acquainted with Joshua Hammack, the valedictorian of the 2008 University of Notre Dame graduating class. Joshua will present the valedictory address during Commencement exercises May 18 in the Joyce Center arena.
An accountancy major from Huntington, W.Va., Joshua earned a 3.99 grade point average (he earned one A-) and was a member of the Dean’s List each semester. He also is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honorary business society and was a Robert C. Byrd Scholarship recipient each of his four years at Notre Dame.
Here Joshua takes time from preparing his Commencement speech to answer a few questions for ND Today readers.
NDT: What are some of the key messages from your Commencement speech?
JH: I think the central message of my speech is that, at this point in our lives, we should be setting high goals for ourselves. In fact, if people aren’t telling us our goals are impossible, we haven’t set them high enough. There may be plenty of people willing to dismiss us as crazy, but it’s always the people who are crazy enough to believe they actually change the world, who do. Ultimately, I believe it’s the crazy goals that end up being the most rewarding and worthwhile. Further, I state that we shouldn’t be content doing the things everyone knows we can do. Now, we must dare to do the things no one believes we can do. We are called to utilize this time to find the things we really believe in, the things for which we are willing to lose everything. Then, we must step forward and work to make a difference; sharing the gifts we’ve been given. Because it’s one thing to get what you want, but it’s quite another to give what you have.
NDT: When did you first realize you were “in the running” for Class of 2008 Valedictorian?
JH: Coming in to my senior year, I thought it was a possibility. I had worked hard for three years, but I was really afraid that my A- might remove me from contention. It really wasn’t until I got the e-mail in late February that I knew for sure. It was probably the most excited I’ve ever been. I called my parents and my siblings, and then I told my close friends here on campus. I tried not to tell too many people about it, because I didn’t want to get everyone’s hopes up. But from that point on, it was just an unbelievably wonderful experience. It was never something that I expected to happen at any point in the process. It really required a great deal of patience and hard work, as the selection process ran from late February until mid-April. Ultimately, it is a tremendous honor and blessing, and well worth the effort!
NDT: In addition to your near-perfect academic record, you were extremely active outside the classroom, participating in Bengal Bouts, interhall sports and various service programs. Which of these did you find most fulfilling and why?
JH: I have many great memories of interhall sports, and I’ve really enjoyed all of the service activities in which I have been involved, but Bengal Bouts really stands out from the crowd. Bengal Bouts is a unique combination of service and athletics. Participating in an event that supports such an admirable and worthwhile endeavor—the Holy Cross Missions in Bangladesh—was very rewarding. Training so hard was meaningful, not only because of the personal benefit, but because of the funds we raised and the assistance we provided. It wasn’t just about throwing punches and blocking blows. The reward was much greater than individual victory or momentary glory. It was about helping people half a world away and providing others with opportunities that will last a lifetime.
NDT: What was the best piece of required reading you were assigned at Notre Dame?
JH: Last Fall, I took a Discernment course through the Center for Social Concerns, and one of our assigned readings was an excerpt from Michael Himes’ book, Doing the Truth in Love. It provided some great insights into finding your “calling.” It really made me think about what I was meant to do and gave me a framework for thinking about what I valued professionally. His message is encapsulated in the passage, “the only reason to learn is to teach, the reason to gain knowledge is to give it away. What you receive as a gift, give as a gift.” I had already spent two summers teaching at my high school, and this passage really encouraged me to continue in that endeavor. Thus, I have applied for a teaching position through AmeriCorps for next year. Additionally, it affirmed my belief that I don’t have to pick a single occupation or devotion. Instead, it stressed the importance of finding balance between your personal, professional, and spiritual lives. In keeping with this advice, I have set a number of goals for myself in the coming years, many of which have little to do with my career. I hope to remain active in service, physically fit, prayerful, and intellectually stimulated. If I am able to accomplish these goals, I think I will lead a very successful life indeed.
NDT: What are your plans post-graduation?
JH: Next year, I plan to devote myself completely to service. For one thing, I will be a teacher at the Paraclete Academy in Boston. During this year of service, I also plan to prepare for law school by taking the LSAT and submitting applications for the 2009-2010 academic year. My other goal for the next several years is to finish the novel about my family’s experience with cancer and become a published author.
