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Take Bold Risks: Lessons from JWU Providence’s Graduate Studies Commencement

Andrea Feldman
07 May 2022

JWU Providence’s 2022 Graduate Studies Commencement marked a welcome return to an in-person event. Another historic milestone: The university granted first degrees to two new doctoral cohorts, the Doctor of Business Administration and Doctor of Occupational Therapy.

“Class of 2022, as I look at you all this morning, I see the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and doers,” Providence Campus President Marie Bernardo-Sousa, LP.D., '92 told the assembled crowd. “You inspire us and exemplify the transformative power of higher education. Your Johnson & Wales education and experience have prepared you for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

“Life today has more opportunities than ever — and the pandemic has proven just how fluid, geographically flexible and entrepreneurial we can be — and make it work.”

Since his first graduation from Johnson & Wales in 1980, RobertDouglas Founding Principal and Managing Director Robert Bruce Stiles '80 '22 Hon. made a point to travel the world and stay open to new adventures. “I’ve lived and worked all around the world and I find there are some common truths wherever I have been.”

Stiles explained how a life of exploration had given him insights into being a better leader and team player: “If you are good at what you do and you’re willing to do your best for the good of the team — whether in your professional or personal life — people are going to want you on their team. As a desired team player, every time someone leaves your place of employment for another established or startup company or institution, they will ultimately reach back to try to recruit key team players — that means you. Eventually, when you are ready to lead, this attitude will make you a much better leader.”

Stiles also urged the new grads to take bold risks in their career choices: “Life today has more opportunities than ever — and the pandemic has proven just how fluid, geographically flexible and entrepreneurial we can be — and make it work. More opportunities come when you keep an open mind and are willing to take a chance on something that isn’t always the safe bet.”

“With a real sense of awe that you all pulled this off, I offer you the most heartfelt congratulations.”

Stiles concluded by urging new grads to “call your parents more often,” and he finished on a serious (but uplifting) note: “I want to congratulate your own teams — your friends and family, who were there to encourage and support you; and the educators and the administration of this institution — that made it all work under the most challenging circumstances in decades. With a real sense of awe that you all pulled this off, I offer you the most heartfelt congratulations.”