Press Releases
Julien G. Patterson Delivers the Norfolk State University 2009 Keynote Address May 9, 2009
On May 9, 2009, NSU alumnus Julien G. Patterson, Founder and Chairman OMNIPLEX World Services Corporation, delivered the keynote address for the 2009 Norfolk State University Spring Commencement ceremony.
More than 8000 graduating seniors, master’s and doctoral graduates and their guests provided a demonstrably enthusiastic welcome to Commencement speaker and distinguished NSU alumnus Julien Patterson. Mr. Patterson shared the stage and podium with NSU President Dr. Meyer, NSU Provost Dr. Shah, and other distinguished participants that included 2009 Class President Tiese Bright and benedictory Pastor Smith. Mr. Patterson spoke to the rich traditions and educational excellence of Norfolk State, and its success in preparing, equipping, and inspiring many to achieve their dreams. He went on to share his personal appreciation for its positive impact on his life and professional career and the delight he felt to have the opportunity to share the joy of the Commencement ceremony with the class of 2009.
In his Commencement address, Mr. Patterson emphasized encouragement to the NSU graduates. He spoke to the reality of world challenges and reminded his audience that challenges, although different, appear before every generation to face, climb, and conquer.
Mr. Patterson was interrupted for applause when he spoke to his second major point: values, choices, and consequences. He shared his passion and personal commitment to a strong faith-based foundation that is critical to surviving and overcoming challenges that we all face individually and collectively. “A strong foundation is critical to preparing for success. The ‘bricks’ of that foundation are your personal values, the ‘mortar’ of that foundation are the choices that you make, and the rest are the consequences that will take care of themselves.”
In his third major point, Mr. Patterson reiterated congratulations to the graduates for their academic achievement and offered some insight into the reality of their matriculation into the workplace environment. He stressed that in their life journey there are important key life components and emphasized that “if you analyze the common denominators of people who have been successful in business and in life, the answer is always the same, a clear vision, a viable plan, and valuable relationships.”
Mr. Patterson closed his Commencement address with an image and quote borrowed from Nkosi Johnson, “Do all you can with what you have; in the time you have; and in the place you are.” (Nkosi Johnson died in 2001 of AIDS at age 12, and inspired millions in Africa and around the world to action in the fight against the epidemic.)
After delivering the keynote address at the Commencement ceremony, Mr. Patterson was presented a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa by the university. Julien Patterson graduated from Norfolk State University in 1976 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronics.
About OMNIPLEX World Services Corporation OMNIPLEX World Services Corporation is a privately held company based in Chantilly, Va. OMNIPLEX World Services Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries are leaders and innovators in delivering intelligence, investigative and security services to prestigious corporations and government agencies. A top-five company in its service markets, OMNIPLEX is also a top-100, minority-owned firm in the United States that is guided by the corporate philosophy of "Right People. Right Values ®.”
Contact: OMNIPLEX World Services Corporation Global Headquarters (703) 652-3100
