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High-Profile Commencement Speakers Inspire Cleary Graduates to Greatness

What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? What would you do if money were not an issue? What excites you?

These are three questions author and business leader Simon T. Bailey plans to ask graduates at Cleary University’s commencement ceremony, set for tomorrow, May 8. Bailey, along with Congressman Jack Berman, will address graduates at Lake Trust Stadium.

Both speakers will focus on inspiring students to use their Cleary education and understanding of The Cleary Mind, to do great things in the workplace and in the world.

The speakers will follow a welcome by Glynis McBain, chair of the Cleary Board of Trustees, and a prayer by Associate Dean of Students Matthew Oliver.

Simon T. Bailey

speakersTreat every day as an interview, focus on producing results, and habits are more important than goals – these are some of the insights Simon T. Bailey will share from a Business Insider article he wrote called “13 Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Graduated College.”

“There are no longer jobs available, only opportunities,” he said. “Opportunity is what you make of whatever you’re facing.”

Bailey will tell graduates you’re never promoted for what you know, but how quickly you can assimilate into the environment and advance your position by creating something new.

In the hospitality industry, he worked his way up to sales director for Disney Institute at Walt Disney World Resort.

“There’s no sense doing something that doesn’t awaken you or tie into your passion,” he said.

Embracing his entrepreneurial spirit, Bailey discovered he had a knack for helping others find meaning in work. He has authored books like “Be the Spark,” and “Release Your Brilliance,” and worked with nearly 2,000 organizations in 50 countries.

speakersFor graduates who choose an entrepreneurial path, Bailey recommends they focus on helping others.

“The question to ask is, what problem have you been created to solve?” he said.

A global speaker, Bailey is delighted to appear at Cleary’s commencement because of its rich history in developing business minds and future leaders.

“They’ve created a culture where everyone matters,” he said of Cleary. “This is the mindset that is needed in the world now more than ever.”

U.S. Representative Jack Bergman

speakersJack Bergman, (R-Mich.), will take time out from his legislative schedule in Washington, D.C. to visit the Cleary campus for commencement. He will speak to graduates about growing up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with parents who instilled in him the values that drive the American Dream.   

Bergman represents Michigan’s First District, which encompasses all of the U.P. and a portion of the northern Lower Peninsula. In Congress, he sits on the House Armed Services Committee and Veterans Affairs Committee.

Bergman served in the military for 40 years, rising to the rank of Lt. General in the U.S. Marine Corps, which propelled him to a 22-year career as a commercial airline pilot.

He launched two successful businesses in the medical equipment industry.

Entrepreneurial leaders set small goals on the road to accomplishing larger missions, he said and focusing on customer satisfaction along the way. 

“In our exceptional nation, if you work hard, never quit, and strive for excellence, you will find success,” he said.

To view the 2020-2021 Cleary University Commencement Program, click here.