Issue date: 5/5/08 Section: News

George C. Edwards III, Political science professor

George C. Edwards III, distinguished professor of political science at Texas A&M, said he looks forward to being a part of an exciting and memorable moment in the lives of the graduates.

"I am honored to be asked to be one of the commencement speakers," Edwards said. "I've been at A&M for the past 30 years and I have attended several commencement ceremonies. It is always exciting to move to another stage of life, particularly when you're moving on with the basis of a fine accomplishment of graduating from Texas A&M."

Edwards said it is wonderful that they can share the exciting day with their family and friends. It is more than just the graduates who have achieved, but it is important to recognize the role of the people who have supported them.

There are numerous values that A&M students have, Edwards said but the most special is the students' sense of collective purpose.

"[Collective purpose] means that I want to be a part of something greater than myself," he said. "We want to think that in terms of our University, and I think that can be translated as when we get out in the world, there are other institutions that might be the Airforce, it might be a company, city or neighborhood, and we can contribute there."

Edwards said another unique aspect about A&M is the "Howdy culture," which involves the spirit of service and openness. He said this is an attractive characteristic for students to have because the outside world has a potential for isolation, and this connection helps to keep them together.

A&M is a joint enterprise, he said, of learning and shared values.

"Academics are important, but I believe the pillar of education is learning how to think. We are a part of [this joint enterprise] because we give students suggestions of things they need to think about," Edwards said. "There is a connection of shared values when forming this joint enterprise. Even though the faculty has a generation difference from the students, yet we are closely connected with shared values and a joint enterprise."

Thinking back to his time at A&M, Edwards said he has seen the University grow.

"It has grown terrifically and has been involved in the joint enterprise," Edwards said. "The University has increased in quality and has risen. It is a privilege to be involved in this enterprise. There is a 'can do' spirit and a desire to keep moving. The president placed his library here, and it is an illustration of what A&M can do and achieve."

Students graduating are stepping into a new phase of life, in which they can apply the skills learned in college.

"People have different goals in life, and I would certainly encourage them to reach high and strive," Edwards said. "To use all the talents that they have and all the training that they have received, and we want them to utilize this.

"I hope that sometime in their life, they will also think about public good. Public service is very important - it does not have to be someone occupying some position of public service, there are a lot of ways to help, to volunteer and to be generous with resources and share them with the less fortunate."

Edwards earned his bachelor's degree from Stetson University in Florida and his master's and doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has written dozens of articles and has written or edited 23 books on American politics and public policy making.

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