Gary2 Keynote

Services overseeing System markets in North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. He comes to us with over 30 years of healthcare experience and laboratory as well as pathology medicine leadership and operations. Gary holds a master's degree in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and he earned his Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from the State University of New York at Fredonia. A member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Gary is well known for building integrated laboratory systems and he is a nationally sought-after speaker. In addition to his experience with Advocate Health, he previously worked at Catholic Health System of Western New York and Bon Secours Health. Very important one to know: Gary is passionate about improving the quality of patient care, providing a positive team environment where teammates can thrive, and empowering his team to imagine the possibilities. Now, when he's not at work, Gary volunteers and supports newly diagnosed patients with type 1 diabetes, and he enjoys road cycling. Last but not least, Gary holds a special place in his heart for his beloved dog Doris. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Gary Cantarella to the stage.

Wow, I think I have the best seat in the house. Good morning, graduates. Are you ready for today? Right, there's a lot of excitement in the air. We are CCHS. Let's shout it out: we are CCHS. I don't hear you. We are CCHS. We are CCHS. Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, Dr. Patchet, Dr. Hofeller, Dr. Smith, faculty members, and most of all, our graduating class of 2024, I extend to you a warm welcome. This is my first commencement address and I'm honored to be here today. You may be wondering how I was chosen to deliver this address, for I am not a CEO of a large company, a Grammy award winner, a Supreme Court Justice, a politician, or a comedian, although my family may think so. I was sought out by Tea House, your director of student records and information management. Tea was my executive assistant at HRM Health, and now she's here at this college in this great opportunity. When she asked me if I was willing, my response was an immediate yes. Tea then presented me to the college and hence I am here today. So thank you, Tea, I know you're out there somewhere. I then met with Dr. Hoffler and Dr. Smith and shared with them how excited I was to do this, and Dr. Smith mentioned a few things to me. My memory of the discussion may not serve to be an exact recollection, but what I heard him say: 'This is a big deal, Gary.' And as I was walking back to my car, the conversation quickly settled in. I felt nervous and excited about this opportunity. So I stand before you to be present and truly excited to be fully connected to you at this important moment of your journey. I am here to plant a seed, a seed to inspire your enthusiastic hearts. Today we recognize the following: Associates of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology, Nursing, and Neurodiagnostic Technology; certificates in Medical Laboratory Science, Radiation Therapy, Neurodiagnostic Technology, Medical Dosimetry, and Histotechnology; the Bachelor of Science in Health Science and General Studies, Nursing, and Medical Imaging. Congratulations, give yourselves a round of applause. We gather here to celebrate the culmination of years of very hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. Graduates, thank the many people who have supported you on this journey: your parents, spouses, significant others, friends, family. I want to acknowledge the wonderful parents for their support, dedication, and love for you. As you look back on this journey, they cannot but feel a sense of awe and admiration for each of you. Take a moment to exhale and relish in this day, and take a moment to give your friends and family a round of applause. Just keep pedaling, as the mountain will come to you. Just keep pedaling, as the mountain will come to you. This was advice that was given to me by Cadel Evans, the 2011 Tour de France winner. We rode together back in 2022 in Arlington, Virginia. I started road cycling several years ago and realized when you embark on a new journey towards a goal, it is not always smooth sailing, or riding in this case. You face hurdles, moments of doubt, times when it feels like progress is slow or non-existent. In today's society, we are bombarded with messages of quick fixes and overnight success stories. We are conditioned to seek out instant gratification, which can lead us to give up on our goals prematurely. But here's the truth: success rarely comes easily or quickly. It requires grit, determination, and the willingness to endure challenges that come your way. Endurance is the outcome forged by those who are wise enough to endure the process. Success isn't about how fast you can get there, it's about how long you are willing to stay in the race. So just keep pedaling, the mountain will come to you. Human history in many instances is punctuated by technological revolutions that have fundamentally altered the trajectory of civilization. From the steam engine to the internet, each industrial revolution has been the catalyst for transformative change. The fourth industrial revolution has redefined industries from manufacturing and healthcare to education and transportation. Currently, we are moving out of the fourth industrial revolution, a period characterized by seamless integration of the physical, digital, and biological worlds, fueled by innovations in artificial intelligence, robotics, genetic sequencing, and the internet of medical things. This revolution has enabled the regrowing of damaged body parts by way of stem cell technology, also known as regenerative medicine, a game changer. This technology could repair hearts, body tissues, or organs for transplant that can be grown in laboratories. The internet of medical things uses a network of connected devices to sense vital data in real time. Patients can use these devices to measure blood glucose, monitor glucose levels, and send results in real time to their doctors. Artificial intelligence can detect skin cancer with computer-trained images of the skin that achieve a 95% detection rate, well above the 87% success rate of the human eye. Precision or personalized medicine, medicine that is tailored fit, where genomic mapping now allows medical treatments to be tailored to match each patient's genetic makeup. Simply put, the industrial revolution has set the stage for what's next: the fifth industrial revolution, or the cognitive age. This is a transformational point in human history, poised to redefine the very fabric of society and human existence. This will be driven by continued evolution of artificial intelligence, particularly like GPT models. These models represent more than mere tools; they are cognitive partners set to redefine societal structures, economies, and the very essence of human existence. As you stand on the brink of this new era, the harmonization of human and machine intelligence emerges as the imperative for the advancement of humanity. In this transformative context, the words of René Descartes, a French mathematician, scientist, and philosopher, said, 'As you think, so you become.' It takes on a new meaning. It reminds us that the cognitive shift we are experiencing is not just external but internal, shaping not only innovations but our very being. So I ask the class of 2024: are you ready? I can't hear you. As I look out among you, you are so ahead of the game. You are the vanguard of knowledge and consciousness, a new wave in the vast ocean of possibilities. On the other side of that door, there is a world starving for new ideas and leadership. You are the next generation of the workforce who has chosen a noble path, one that is guided by compassion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. Celebrate your academic achievements today, and we will celebrate you for the path you have taken and the immense impact you will have on the lives of countless individuals. Those individuals will come to you for care, seek guidance, and with hope for healing. Find the purpose in your work and make it a priority, for without purpose, all your hard work that you have committed to will be for nothing. What will your dream job be? What will your first day in the job be like? How will you show up? Pick up the light and be daring to be seen. Tap into your heart and present your best self always. Being a healthcare professional is not just a job; it's a calling, an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities, a profession that demands excellence, compassion, and continual growth. It is no small task. It is a noble path that is guided by compassion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment. You can fail at what you don't want, so take the chance on doing what you love. You might as well take that chance. You are the next generation of healthcare superheroes. And what superheroes will you be? Will your abilities go beyond those of ordinary people? Will you conceal your identity? What powers will you have to help the world become a better place? Superheroes come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Such superheroes as my favorite, Batman, derive their status from advanced technology they create and use, while others such as Superman and Spider-Man possess non-human or superhuman biology, and Captain Marvel practices magic to achieve his abilities. On my journey, I found it to be a journey of continuous learning, one of personal and professional growth, and one of leadership. I've embraced the spirit of curiosity and made a commitment to never stop learning. I've practiced collaboration across the healthcare continuum, for it is through collaboration that we can achieve the greatest breakthroughs. As you venture out to pursue excellence, remember not to forget about yourselves. This profession is not a cakewalk and can be physically and emotionally taxing. Take time to self-care, seek support from others when needed, and find moments of joy and rejuvenation. As you begin this next chapter, know that you have the power to shape the future of healthcare. Embrace innovation, challenge the norms, and be the catalyst of change. You are the new eyes, the new hearts that have unique perspectives. Fresh ideas and your unwavering commitment to excellence will drive further advancements that together we cannot yet imagine. I have spoken a few words today, but I ask you to remember one word on your journey: imagine. I foster innovation. M: engage in your organization's mission. A: accelerate the pace. G: grow both personally and professionally. I: inspire your team to be nationally recognized. But whatever you do, do it with excellence. In closing, dream the best life, and when the doors open, just walk through them. You are ready and able to do beautiful things in the world. As you go through those doors today, you have two choices: to choose love or fear. Choose love. Don't let fear turn you against your playful heart. I am in awe of your accomplishments, your resilience, and your commitment to the well-being of others. May your future be filled with purpose and fulfillment as you take the next step, making a profound difference in the world, one life at a time. Congratulations, class of 2024. Just keep pedaling, as the mountain will come to you. God speed.