Sweeney Tells Rowan Grads: 'Don't Settle'

In the keynote address to the Rowan University Class of 2013, New Jersey Senate President and West Deptford resident Stephen Sweeney reminded graduates to be grateful for their opportunities and dissatisfied with the status quo.

"It takes little effort to say that something can't be done, that a challenge can't be met and that things can't change," Sweeney told the crowd.

"But nothing happens unless you act," he said; "unless you have the courage and strength of mind and the purpose to create change that you want to see."

Sweeney mostly kept it light in his remarks, playing to those in the crowd who cheered when he mentioned his alma mater, Pennsauken High School. But he also reminded the class to thank those who enabled them to complete their education.

"You're sitting here because of your intelligence, work ethic and self-motivation," Sweeney said, "but you're also sitting here because your parents or guardians or influential family members made an impact on your life and put you in a position to achieve success."

The New Jersey Senate President, a former ironworker, said that despite his achievements, he regrets never having attended college.

"Nothing ever beats having a quality education," Sweeney said. "Your degree and all the effort you put into getting it can never be taken away from you, and it will allow you to have greater opportunities."

Instead, he said, he took his joy in watching his own son graduate and pursue a master's degree.

"You can give all the speeches you want, but nothing beats seeing your child succeed in going further than you did," he said.

To view Sweeney's full remarks, watch the video above.