Brady: Graduates Achieve Their American Dream

By Kurt Allen/Huntsville Item Assistant Managing Editor

In a nation of more than 250 million people, the American dream can mean just about anything, whether it's building a successful business to raising a family to owning a home.

For the 772 graduates of Sam Houston State University on Saturday, part of the American dream came true when they received their diploma.

That was the word from U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) who represents the 8th District and could be Walker County's representative following this year's election.

"Congratulations to the students, their parents and their families," Brady said during the two graduation ceremonies held Saturday at Johnson Coliseum on the SHSU campus. Then, addressing the parents and families, he said, "You must be very proud of the graduates, and you should be. They're living the American dream."

Brady , who was asked to speak at the summer commencement ceremonies in the university's 125th year, has some definite ties to SHSU. More than 45 percent of the students at the university reside in or come from Brady's district, according to university president James F. Gaertner.

But there's another, more obvious connection.

"This is a real honor for me to be a part of your very special day," Brady said. "I'm personally excited because my wife is a graduate of Sam."

Cathy Brady is a 1983 graduate of the university.

Brady told the assembled group a story about the race to fly, when the Wright Brothers and Samuel Langley were trying to create the first lighter-than-air craft.

Langley, working for the federal government and operating on a hefty budget, struggled to get his aircraft off the ground. The Wright Brothers, who were working off their own money, had a much greater stake invested in the affair, and eventually succeeded.

"Why did Langley's $50,000 effort fail and the Wright Brothers' $2,000 effort succeed?" Brady asked. "The Wright Brothers were using their own money. It was their American dream they were working on.

"The American dream isn't just about creating jobs and businesses," he added. "Often, it's about giving back to the nation. The road to the American dream runs through classrooms of colleges to our churches and libraries and through our hearts. You can't vote the American dream off the island."

In closing his speech, Brady challenged everyone, not just the graduates, to work hard toward their own version of the American dream.

"The American dream can be anything. It's available to every person in this auditorium," he said. "In reaching it, put your faith in yourself and in God to use the wonderful talents he gave you.

"On behalf of the American dreams, congratulations."

-END-

Kurt Allen can be reached at (936) 295-5407 ext. 3024 or by e-mail at kallen@itemonline.com

SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
Aug. 8, 2004 (posted)
Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu