May 11, 2026
Commencement Address from Speaker Gerald Schroer, Jr.
Good Morning!
To the Graduating Class of 2026, to your families and loved ones, and to the professors and university leadership, thank you for the opportunity to address you as you conclude this chapter of your life’s journey.
Standing here today is an honor I never saw coming… and certainly never one I expected to experience in my lifetime. Today, I welcome all of you as fellow alumni of Wheeling University, a place that I not only called home but sat in your very seat 40 years ago. When people ask me about my time at the place I called Wheeling College, I always answer the same way, “It is a special place.” And my hope for each of you is that as you move forward in life, you never forget Wheeling, and that you carry with you the same affection for Wheeling that I do.
Before I begin my remarks, let me paint a quick picture of my four years here.
When I was a student, I was no stranger to our Dean of Student’s office. Nor was I unfamiliar with the status of academic probation. I also enjoyed a good rugby party, an evening in the Ratt, and a night out at Ye Olde Alpha with friends, a turkey club, French fries with gravy, and cheese sticks.
The bottom line is this, I probably spent more time in the Dean’s office than I did on the Dean’s List.
So the natural question becomes, why am I standing here speaking before you today? I am living proof that with a supportive family, a supportive environment, good friends, and certainly blessings in my own personal journey, anything is possible.
In 2020, I received the St. Ignatius High School Alumnus of the Year Award. My mother and sister described me that day as “Leo the Late Bloomer.” And to be honest, for a long time, I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to bloom. But with time, persistence, and the support of the people around me, I eventually did. And if my life proves anything, it’s that anything truly is possible.
One of the greatest gifts Wheeling gave me was friendships. I hope each of you has formed friendships here that will stand the test of time. I am still in touch with more than a dozen friends that I met right here on Washington Avenue. When my father passed away in 2015, the first person from Wheeling to call me was not my closest friend. It was someone I didn’t even realize I was that close to. A classmate by the name of “Wolfe”. He simply called to offer condolences, support, and friendship. Ironically, that same “Wolfe” called me on April 12th of this year, the day after I got married, to extend the same support and friendship that he extended 11 years ago. I feel blessed to have “Wolfe” in my life.
Moments like that remind you how deep these relationships really are. Even today:
• I try to attend a Pirates home game against the Dodgers each year with 2 classmates
• My former college roommate and I meet regularly for dinner
• The last example is that during a challenging moment for me professionally, I quickly found myself calling a Wheeling classmate for expert guidance—reminding me again of the value of those relationships.
These are just a few examples of getting together and reconnecting with friends from Wheeling. Those friendships and many more are among the greatest blessings of my life.
Today I would like to share a few truths that have shaped me personally and professionally. My hope is that at least a few of them will serve you as you begin your next chapter.
The first is Take the High Road
Always and I mean always take the high road and do the right thing. I’ve carried this advice into our organization, sharing it with our team in moments of growth and in moments of challenge – when we’ve lost customers, gained customers, hired people, and even when we’ve had to make tough personnel decisions.
It applies in negotiations. It applies in leadership. It applies in life. Doing the right thing will not always be the easiest path, but it will always be the best path.
The second is Positively Impact Someone
If you ever have the chance to positively impact someone’s life, like Nike said “Just Do It”. Through mentorship, through leadership, and through friendship. Or simply by helping someone in a difficult moment. Helping another human being never gets old. I promise you that, in time, you will receive far more from that gift than you have given.
The third is about Parenthood
If you are called to parenthood, it will be the most important job of your life. Not that other jobs aren’t important, but parenthood will be the most impactful. Never let anyone diminish the importance of being a mother or father. And I say that as someone who never had children but always hoped to. God simply had other plans for me.
The fourth is all about the depth of Friendships
Establish friendships with depth and substance. Quality will always matter more than quantity. One of the happiest moments of my year is hearing from the many people who reach out on my birthday. Those connections remind me how blessed I truly am. Each one of those connections bring back memories of a unique relationship I have with that individual and how they have impacted my life.
The fifth is Learn From your Failures
Your life will bring you both successes and failures, I promise all of you that. They will come personally, and professionally. Learn from both. In my 38 years at The Schroer Group, I have loved every job I have held. But I failed at one. Fortunately, I was given a second chance. And even the job I failed at I have loved showing up for work every day.
The sixth is the act of Forgiveness
Forgiveness has been absolutely essential in my life. I have needed to give it. And I have needed to receive it.
There was a time in my life when my mother and I were struggling with our relationship. It was personal and our differences felt deep which caused pain for both of us. But through time, humility, and the grace of the Holy Spirit. We forgave one another. Today our relationship is stronger than I ever could have imagined. Forgiveness made that possible.
The seventh is all about listening to People Different From You
Talk and listen, and be open to the thoughts of people who are different from you. People who think differently. People who vote differently. People who look different. People who believe differently.
A few years ago, during a time when our country was dealing with national strife, I met a man named George. He’s a Democrat. I’m a Republican. He’s a man of color. I am obviously white. Yet we spent hours talking—about race, about our community, and about our country.
Today, George is one of my closest friends. Real understanding and respect only happen when we reach out and truly listen to each other.
The eighth is all about Faith
No matter where you are in your faith journey, try to maintain a relationship with God. I assure you that like any relationship it will have its challenges at times. I have not always been close to God. And I have not always attended Sunday Mass regularly. But when my brother, a United States Marine, was deployed overseas, I found myself returning to church. I prayed for his safe return. And God held up His side of the bargain.
Today, silent retreats, the rosary, and Mass are an important part of my life. And I share that with you because if you ever feel distant from God, remember this: He is always there… ready to welcome you back.
I would like to share a thought on Leadership;
Leadership is not something that is given – Nor is it something you receive because of your last name, or the fact that your father was a great leader, or the owner.
Leadership is something that is earned
It’s something earned through time and because of the respect you have built by who you are and who you have come to be.
Leadership is also a responsibility once you have it.
To do what is right all the time, not just when people are looking.
To understand that your word is your bond.
To be genuine
To stand up for what is right
To be better than just a good person
To help others be that and more.
Before I close, I would like to recommend three books and two prayers that have influenced my life.
The books are:
- The AA Big Book – This is a book I wish I had read when I was just getting into the workforce. I would have been a much better leader and a much better brother. My brother today is a recovering alcoholic who is a direct report to me. I would have been a much better brother and leader if I had read this book. Addictions are terrible for those challenged as well as their families. It is a great resource for all.
- The book called Joe Manchin is on communication and understanding others. Joe does an amazing job reflecting on his term as an US Senator and working constantly to get all sides to talk to; and listen to; each other and find a compromise that worked for both parties at the table. But he never diverts from his values.
- Heroic Leadership by Chris Lowney – Chris is an amazing author and is a personal friend on the topic of Servant Leadership.
And the prayers:
Just for background I have 10 years of Jesuit education in me, so they both come from a Jesuit twist.
The first is:
- The Serenity Prayer – A Jesuit prayer commonly used by AA groups, but also is a great prayer for leaders and every day person prayer that prays for acceptance, prays for courage, and prays for wisdom.
The other, which hangs in my office, is the Prayer for Generosity.
- The Prayer for Generosity – Teach me to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost…
In closing
My hope for each of you is that as you go through life, you experience the same love and support that I have received from family, friends, and fellow alumni.
The mere fact that you are graduating today is a sign that you are surrounded by a wonderful foundation of family and friends who only want great things for you.
Class of 2026, please join me in standing and giving a heartfelt ovation to those who are here with us today and to those who couldn’t be here showing our love and appreciation for their unwavering support and belief in you.
Before I end, I hope you remember these brief thoughts.
I hope you give back to your family, friends and communities in ways you never imagined.
I hope you always take the high road.
Serve others.
Protect your friendships and family.
Keep your faith.
And always remember…
Anything is possible.
Congratulations, Class of 2026.
And thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today.