Lepak: Graduates Should Extend Legacy

NORMAN, Okla. -- University of Oklahoma student-athletes are participating in graduation ceremonies this weekend in Norman. Commencement 2011 will be held on Friday night at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.

Football's Brian Lepak (Claremore, Okla.) is among the 138 OU student-athletes set to earn their degrees. Lepak penned this letter to express his gratitude to the Sooner Nation and share a challenge to his fellow graduates.

Letter to Graduates

As our senior student-athletes approach graduation this weekend and prepare to enter the next phase of their lives, I wish to share some thoughts and reflections about what I personally learned during my time as a participant in Oklahoma Athletics and how it will impact my life beyond sports.

Legacy. It's something that I think about a lot and a word that in my mind is synonymous with Oklahoma Athletics. From group accomplishments in the form of championships to individual accolades, every facet of Oklahoma Athletics demands excellence and that legacy of excellence leaves its mark on the landscape of intercollegiate competition.

It is something that defines the University, the State, and most importantly, each student-athlete who shoulders the responsibility of representing the university with pride, character, and distinction.

From the moment he or she sets foot on campus, every student-athlete is charged with the heavy burden of continuing Oklahoma Athletics' legacy for future generations. The struggle to carry the weight of success achieved by the generations that came before and maintain the standard is worthy of applause. Consider graduating this weekend the grand applause you have earned for running the good race and seeing your commitment through to the end.

As student-athletes at Oklahoma, you have had the profound privilege and blessing of learning that valuable lesson at an early age. Many search their entire life to learn that we are all called to preserve the legacy of those that came before us and improve it for those that must carry it next.

On your way out the door, I wish to charge you with one final challenge: carry that legacy beyond this campus. We are living during a time when faith in the ability of the individual to do the right thing when confronted with the choice is at an all time low. Our decisions and actions will determine whether our society will continue to be one of freedom and morality.

I encourage you to continue to carry yourself with the integrity and excellence that was demanded of you during your time here; even when it you think no one is looking. It is your duty to those who came before you and to those who will follow.

Congratulations to the Class of 2011. The future is in your hands; make it one of which our predecessors would be proud. God Bless. Boomer Sooner!

- Brian T. Lepak

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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