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Utica University

‘Just Watch Me’

  1. Utica Community
  2. Utica Stories
  3. ‘Just Watch Me’
Dr. Anthony Baird '92

"This the beginning of your new beginning—the foundation of your success.”

Dr. Anthony Baird’s convocation address to the class of 2023 began with a bang—or rather, a snap. 

“Take out your mobile device and take a picture,” he instructed the new students. “Snap it, tag it, and post it. This the beginning of your new beginning—the foundation of your success.”

Baird ’91, a distinguished alumnus, spent 25 years Director of Corporate Programs Development at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Today, he is Principal Consultant and Manager of I.A.M~EPPIC Enterprises, a professional coaching firm.

In his address, Baird encouraged students to "be open to the opportunities within your circumstances,” he said. “They serve as the foundation to your educational, personal, and professional development."

In closing, he urged the class of 2023 to repeat a mantra of self-reliance:

“Look to the person to the left and to the right of you and tell them, ‘I am going to complete this degree—with or without you. Just watch me.’”

You can watch Dr. Baird's address and the 2019 Convocation Ceremony here:

More Stories

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On Campus

Utica University to Host Special Olympics New York Summer Games 2026-2028

Special Olympics New York, Utica University and community leaders today announced that the Utica community will host the Special Olympics...
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Alumni

Survivor. Advocate. Inspiration. Anna Owens G’24

The lullaby of the hospital monitors. Years of unanswered questions. Perhaps after all this time wondering what was wrong, she...
Trio Logo 2250 x 1500
In the News

TRIO Student Support Services Awarded Five-Year Federal Funding Renewal

The U.S. Department of Education has renewed its funding of Utica University’s TRIO Student Support Services program for another five-year...
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