Commencement 2007

Secretary Cortés with Chancellor Lori J. Bechtel

On May 12, 2007, some 274 men and women earned their degrees at Penn State Altoona, as the college graduated its largest class ever. Many students already are working at jobs they secured while still in school; many others have been accepted into graduate and doctoral degree programs.

Pedro Cortés, secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, delivered the commencement address. A native of Puerto Rico, Cortés was nominated as secretary of the Commonwealth by Gov. Edward G. Rendell on April 2, 2003, and was confirmed by the Senate on May 13, 2003, making him the first confirmed Hispanic Cabinet member in Pennsylvania history. In his address, Cortés urged the graduates to "go above and beyond" in all that they do, noting that "for me, going above and beyond is a way of life."

"Stated simply, the ideal employee has aptitude plus attitude, which equals altitude - how high you will go in life."
- Pedro Cortés

In describing the ideal employee, Cortés cited two primary characteristics: "technical skills to do the job [and] people skills, care, and good disposition to do right." Stated simply, Cortés noted that "the ideal employee has aptitude plus attitude, which equals altitude—how high you will go in life … Someone with the right attitude given the opportunity will achieve greatness."

To watch Secretary Cortés' complete commencement address, visit http://www.altoona.psu.edu/commencement/mov.htm