South Carolina State University News May 14, 2014 S.C. State commencement: Samsung president urges graduates to move out of their comfort zones In all success, there's one common denominator, and that's change, Tim Baxter said. Baxter, the president of Samsung Electronics of America, said he wasn't a very successful high school student and his first semester in college wasn't any better. But during his succeeding years at Roger Williams College, he realized it was time to make a turning point, he said. "I discovered a work ethic, a willingness to embrace change, an ability to get out of my comfort zone," he said. "That has served me well in my career and my personal life as well." As president of Samsung, Baxter oversees products such as televisions, home appliances, tablets, personal computers, monitors and printers. He shared the secret of his own success with almost 500 graduates of South Carolina State University at Friday night's commencement ceremony. You're not alone if you have doubts, he said. It's when you push yourself outside of your comfort zone and meet scary challenges that you find out what you're capable of. "That's where you find that you're more prepared than you think," he said. "That's where you find your passion - outside of your comfort zone is where greatness can happen." Baxter told graduates they are the, "first generation of digital natives. You're graduating at an amazing time with more tools than any class before you." Older generations use technology, he said. It's powerful and more accessible than ever before in human history. "But you guys live it," he said. "It is a fabric of your lives." Use the digital social media in your careers, he said. Stay in front of it whether you're going to be a teacher, go into the military or become an architect or marketer. Baxter advised the graduates to use social media to differentiate themselves from their peers as they go on job interviews. "Think about how your passion for the digital and social media world can possibly be applied in the industry or company you're seeking a career with," he said. Following the commencement address, President Thomas Elzey conferred an honorary doctorate on Baxter. Elzey also recognized the family members and friends of the graduates who "made it possible for our students to reach this milestone of accomplishment." The graduates marched onto the field in the Oliver Dawson Stadium to the cheers of family and friends as the S.C. State Symphonic Band played the "War March of the Priests" by Mendelssohn. The band played "Pomp and Circumstance" by Edward Elgar as the recessional. The Concert Choir also participated in the ceremony, singing the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2014meeting-form.html for the October 26-28, 2014 HBCU Library Alliance 6th Membership Meeting in Atlanta GA!