Why Choose Bramson ORT College? Hear What Our Top Graduates Are Saying!
Scott McIntosh graduated from the Renewable Energy Program with Honors. During the recent 2013 Bramson ORT College Graduation Ceremony, he shared his great Bramson ORT experience - READ BELOW
My classmates and I are very grateful for our talented instructors and advisors, whose caring, and constant dedication have been instrumental to our success here. I am personally thankful, for having the opportunity to study under Professor John Howell, his advice, along with his extensive knowledge, has inspired me to broaden my horizons. And then, there is our Zoya, her guidance and enthusiasm, were priceless to me. Our problems were always important to her, and her inner light could brighten up anyone’s day.
We also owe a debt of gratitude to our school, Bramson ORT College. Bramson is member of the “World ORT” organization. ORT was founded in Russia in the year 1880, with the noble mission, to provide much needed technical knowledge and skill, to members of the Russian Jewish community. Today, over 130 years later, ORT’s founding purpose is still being realized, along with some significant advancements. ORT schools, such as ours, have opened their doors to the entire world community. Over the years, they have promoted education and training to all who are willing to learn in more than 100 countries. You can clearly see the proof of that here today, by the great variety of faces in our graduating class.
Graduates, I know that many of you feel as fortunate as I do today. Virtually every one of us has family members or forebears who have made sacrifices on our behalf. Our predecessors made those sacrifices so that we would have a better life and could have a positive impact on society. Most of their dreams were not for themselves, but for the success of the next generation.
Today, you have fulfilled their dreams, and justified their sacrifice. This is a great accomplishment, and you should all be very proud. We have worked very hard for our degrees & certificates, and we have earned this day. We should enjoy this moment fully, but also be mindful, that with today’s achievements will come tomorrow’s responsibilities. We have gained an education and now we have the obligation to use what we have learned to better our lives, and to benefit humanity.
-For what man, is truly a man, who does not try to make his world better?
In recent times, we have seen our share of inept and self-serving individuals in places of power. It seems as if an epidemic of selfishness and greed has infected a large portion of the population. Our country is now in great need of real leaders. Leaders with integrity and with vision, whom we can all rally behind. Leaders whose first priority lies with the betterment of the people they serve, and not with the enrichment of their own bank accounts or celebrity.
My friends, I urge you, to see your diploma not only as a passport to the good life, but also as a permit to help create a better life for all. Each of us can be a leader, or an advocate for change, in whatever profession we choose. For if you improve life for one of us, you have, in turn, improved life for all of us.
My colleagues, I call upon you now, to follow in the footsteps of those who dreamed of your success. Make it your goal to initiate positive changes for the benefit of future generations. Make it your dream to accomplish something greater then yourself. And Make this day, this day, be the start of a journey that will culminate with a legacy of respectable leadership, environmental enrichment, and the advancement of all humanity.
And allow these words, from Emerson, to guide you.
Scott McIntosh, Bramson ORT Graduate from the Renewable Energy Program
