Fox 8 News Sports Weekend Anchor Gives Advice to Ashland University Graduates
“Try not to be defined by what you do, but more, be defined by how you do things with others. How you treat other people should be your legacy.”
That was the advice of John Telich, WJW Fox 8 News Weekend Sports Anchor, who presented the commencement address at Ashland University’s Winter Commencement ceremony on Saturday (Dec. 12) in the University’s Kates Gymnasium.
“As you embark on your post college path, think of mentoring someone,” said Telich, who is a 1975 graduate of Ashland. “Be available to anyone who may seek advice. You have so much knowledge, it must be shared.”
Telich used Ted Ginn Sr., football coach of Glenville High School and one of his favorite people, as an example.
“Can you pay it forward, can you be like a Ted Ginn -- a wonderful human being. He has saved more lives and directed more young men on the right path of life than anyone I have ever known,” he said. “I am totally fascinated by what this man has achieved. And so little of what I am fascinated by and impressed by is the football wins-losses side of things. It is what he has done to impact these young lives and how he has gotten them to the point where they can be difference makers in not just their lives but in the lives of others.”
Telich noted that while he grew up as part of the TV generation with television forming his thoughts and direction, today’s generation will be known for its instant communication.
“You are the most connected generation in history…computers and iphones…you are so connected,” he said. “They are your porthole to the world and your ability to do things at a rapid pace and to better the world.”
Telich said that while covering sports in Cleveland, he has seen that people tend to place labels on sporting events that were somewhat catastrophic.
“The drive…the fumble...the Mesa meltdown,” he said. “I look at the overall experience, the opportunity to take that ride with the team…to go as far as they did.”
Telich said he tries to look at the positive side of everything.
“No matter our endeavor, life is for the now. Paradise is indeed the spot that you are in and the place you are going,” he said. “I wish you all the most success in the world.”
Following the commencement address, the presentation of degrees was handled by Provost Dr. Frank Pettigrew. A total of 588 degrees (447 graduate and 141 undergraduate) were awarded in December 2009, including two doctor of education in educational leadership; 379 master of education, 128 master of business administration, four master of American history and government, 13 master of fine arts in creative writing, 14 bachelor of arts, 20 bachelor of science, 19 bachelor of science in business administration, 41 bachelor of science in education, two bachelor of science in nursing, one bachelor of fine arts and four associate of arts.
Ashland University is a mid-sized, private institution conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.
