Graduates of the Academic Programs of the UCLA International Institute attended the Institute's commencement ceremony on Saturday evening, June 13th.

UCLA International Institute, June 16, 2015 — The tensions of finals and term papers (mostly) behind them, students in the UCLA International Institute’s Academic Programs celebrated the end of their studies at a commencement ceremony held at Royce Hall on June 13, 2015. An outdoor reception followed with very happy — and decidedly less anxious — graduates and their families.

Close to 200 students participated in this year's ceremony. The overwhelming majority of those who received BAs majored in International Development Studies and Global Studies, with a smaller number pursuing the Institute's International & Area Studies majors (specifically, Asian Studies, European Studies and Latin American Studies). A small cohort of graduate students also received MA degrees in African Studies, Latin American Studies and East Asian Studies. And one Institute Departmental Scholar simultaneously completed an undergraduate education along with an MA in Islamic Studies.

“Each and every one of you has reached out to the international community and will leave your footprint in this world as change makers, scholars and scientists,” said keynote speaker Julia S. Gouw, president and chief operating officer of East West Bank. A native of Indonesia, Gouw leads one of the largest independent banks headquartered in California, which serves as a financial bridge between the United States and China.

Noting that only 6.7 percent of the world's population has a college degree, Gouw remarked, “An education is a privilege that very few people have access to. [T]hat means that you have the power and knowledge that few people have in this world.” She counseled them to use that power to make a positive impact on the world.

The first woman in her family to graduate from college, Gouw said she struggled to define her identity as she built a professional career in the United States. In the end, rather than define herself as either Asian or American, she came to see herself as a global citizen who draws the best from both worlds. And she urged UCLA International Institute graduates to do the same: “[C]apitalize on your strengths and work to bring the world together. The future success of businesses and organizations in the next century will be those who can bridge the gap between cultures.”

In her brief and engaging talk, Gouw offered several bits of wisdom to students starting out in the world: get out of your comfort zone, identify and learn from experts and set high and achievable goals. “Don't be afraid to fail,” she added. “When you meet a challenge along the way, analyze and adjust. I don't always get what I want, but I never feel [like] a failure. It's just different from what I expected and a chance to [gain] knowledge and insight.” Quoting Winston Churchill, she added, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”

Finally, the businesswoman encouraged students to give back to society and explore new frontiers. “You never know what one bold move will bring,” she remarked, explaining that her grandfather’s decision to jump on a ship from South China led to a new life in Indonesia.

Emphasizing again the great privilege of having a college education, Gouw concluded by saying to the graduates, “Never lose sight of how lucky you are. I cannot wait to see what you all will do!”

Published: Tuesday, June 16, 2015