Loreen Sherman addresses an International audience on developing leadership as part of her commencement speech on organizational leadership and leadership development and the incredible journey.

Commencement Speech for University of Phoenix

International Speech in Phoenix, AZ USA

Hello, my name is Loreen Sherman. I have a Master's degree from the University of Phoenix, a Double degree in Geography and Geology from McMaster University and three certifications: Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Grief and Bereavement and a Tutor certificate.

This is a day of great honor for all of us who have traveled many roads to come to this point in time.

We made it. We are successful. Many of us as new graduates are at the end of one of the segments in our journey and face a new crossroad. These new challenges will be met with the same determination and strength of character that the development of our academic strengths has achieved. Each of us has new hopes and dreams that we desire to fulfill. The accreditation of a degree allows us this opportunity to fulfill the desired goals and begin another step in the journey of life.

I know that my experience in attaining this degree has been one that has faced many diversities and physical challenges alongside the mental work required to achieve a degree diploma. In September 2006, I was critically ill with Cushing's disease and required brain surgery for the removal of a pituitary tumour. During this time I went through a difficult divorce and was left destitute. I stood in food lines at food banks. I was unable to work.

Mistakenly, I was misdiagnosed as a diabetic and a month later fell into a diabetic coma. This left me unable to walk or talk. The Bank strongly suggested that I claim bankruptcy as I owed thousands of dollars. I asked them to wait and assist me. They complied. I repaid every cent.

Being penniless and returning to my birthplace I started over. I had three blood clots on my first day back to work as a contractor. I endured. I had hope. I saved. I paid for my MBA course; one at a time. I scraped by and reduced my expenses. I lived at less than the poverty level and I struggled. I did not allow the death of my first-born son to overcome me. I did not succumb to self-pity, despair or depression. I stayed faithful to God.

Somehow, I was strengthened. I knew I could do it because there were many who said "Loreen, make it on the outside - for us." Many helped provide me support emotionally, physically and materially; some in large ways, some smaller. I stand here before you because of their support just as you have had loved ones and close ones in your lives supporting you. I especially thank my new husband, Paul Sherman who was the treasure at the end of my rainbow.

Along my journey I suffered blindness, destitution, isolation, rejection, disappointment and my body looked like the Hunchback of Notre Dame but he was more attractive. My legs were swollen and my feet curled.

Today, I stand before you 100% cured with a new life. I have re-married and have re-built.

I was honored by being selected as a preliminary candidate for the Canadian Space Agency. My dreams were fulfilled. I did not become an astronaut but I went as far as I could and I fulfilled the dream that you can become anything you want.

Throughout, my life was enriched because of the encouragement and the accomplishment of attaining a degree program. The completion of my MBA will be a hoped-for stepping stone to another step up the ladder of academic success as I long for and strive for the attainment of my PhD program. I have applied for a September 2010 start date at the University of Calgary. For me, I want to use my experience and my education with the University of Phoenix for the welfare of others who, like me, need encouragement and education to change their lives. I stand as a "Voice for the Voiceless."

Will you not stand with me and take up the challenge to use your education and past experiences to encourage and support another? Will you not think about the incredible journey that you have taken and reach forward with hope and inspiration to a future that is in your hands to build?

I believe in the potential of the individual. Each of us is unique. Each of us is special and the honor we share by being partners in this commencement ceremony is indicative of the strength and goodwill of mankind. Look around you and re-count the many talents that you have in your hands to achieve, to become, to build, to provide, to live and to move forward.

Are we not all victorious? I say we are.
Thank-you for allowing me this time.

Now, turn to another beside you and recognize that they too have traveled along an incredible journey and they will make a difference - just like you.
Congratulations, class of 2009! 

Date: 07/17/09

An International audience of 500 representing 47 countries applauded Loreen Sherman’s speech on developing leadership where she encouraged organizational leadership  to be builders and to be aware of the leadership development they would partake.