- Birthplace:
Bronx, New York City
- Education:
Bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee, a Master's degree
from the University of Richmond, and two Master's degrees from Virginia
Commonwealth University
- Military:
Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division of the Armed Forces from 1953
to 1956
- Teaching
Experience: Marketing teacher at the Henrico County Schools, economics
instructor at Richard Bland College and the University of Richmond
- Immediate
Family: Wife Joyce Boyer (married 50 years), two daughters, and five
grandchildren
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THE COLONIAL
VOICE
JUNE 4, 2004
LETTER
TO THE PEOPLES FORUM OF THE COLONIAL VOICE BY
RICHARD BLAND COLLEGE PROFESSOR, FRANK BOYER
Graduates: Your future is what you make it
To the editor:
Congratulations, graduates.
You have just successfully overcome one of life’s great hurdles—getting
an education that you can now use to brighten your life and secure your
future. Believe it or not, that was the easy part. Your real challenges,
hard work and opportunities have only just begun. And that is good because
you are going to find an exciting world out there that will take you beyond
your wildest dream. Toward that end, would you allow an old codger to
share some thoughts with you as to how you can enhance your chances for
success. You see, I’ve been there and done that. First of all, if
you really want success, you have to work for it—it won’t
just come to you. With this in mind, here are some thoughts for you to
consider.
Make a special effort to praise people. Everyone needs it. Avoid putting
people down—doing so will not enhance your chances for success and
happiness. Belittling others will not make you a more important person.
Do not lie, cheat or steal. Just as soon as your colleagues and associates
discover these character flows in you, your career will be dead-ended.
Be willing to go out of your way to help others, especially co-workers.
Never pass up an opportunity to do a good deed—soon this will become
a magnificent obsession.
Look not for the shortcomings in others lest they begin to look for yours.
Rather, look for the good in others and they will see the good in you.
Be patient with others and with yourself. Success must not be rushed.
It needs to be nurtured.
As you advance up the corporate ladder, don’t alienate people along
the way, you’re liable to meet them on the way back down. When you
are in the wrong or make a mistake, admit it and learn from it. Then vow
to never repeat it. This is often referred to as “personal growth
and development.” Always strive to deliver a fair day’s work
for a fair day’s wage. To do anything less is nothing short of stealing.
Set challenging goals for yourself and do all that is in your power to
help others develop and achieve their goals. There is no limit to the
satisfaction that you will receive here.
Always stand ready to help and defend those who have not had the advantages
you have had. You can learn a great deal from them, especially about humility.
Try to minimize lending and borrowing. You’re going to find that
borrowers have a hard time remembering and lenders never forget. Above
all, be your own good money manager.
Finally, never sacrifice your integrity on the altar of greed. Stick to
your own high principles and always endeavor to do the right and decent
thing The decision is yours to make. The quality of your reputation will
be your ticket to success or failure. The kind of future that lies ahead
for you will largely depend on what You make it.
Frank
Boyer, Instructor
Richard Bland College
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