"Stick your neck out."
Those were the words of wisdom from John Graham, motivational speaker and philanthropist, during his visit to Colgate University, which included a brown bag lunch, presentation, and a lecture at Memorial Chapel.
Hoping to inspire people to make a difference by taking risks, or in his words "sticking their neck out," Graham heads the Giraffe Heroes Project, a nonprofit organization.
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| John Graham, who heads the nonprofit group Giraffe Heroes Project, speaks to students at Colgate University. (Photo by Kalli McMillan '10) |
He highlighted the inspirational stories of ordinary individuals, called giraffe heroes, who've dedicated their lives to public service.
Graham urged students to follow in their footsteps by being visionary, tackling public problems, and staying motivated to create change.
His life story was inspirational as well.
As a young adrenaline-junkie, he traveled the world, finding himself in the midst of the revolution in Libya and the Vietnam War, and also working to end apartheid in South Africa during his time as a U.S. diplomat.
Later in life, a near-death experience on a burning cruise ship in the Gulf of Alaska led Graham to realize that "it isn't the risks in life that are important; it's what you take risks for."
Graham, who achieved incredible feats in his life, left us enthused to make a difference on campus and beyond.
Given the timing of his visit to campus on Super Tuesday, he reminded us that representative democracy can only work when people partner with the government to generate change in public policy.
He also highlighted his historic ascent of Mount McKinley's north wall in 1963 during a presentation at Base Camp, home of the university's Outdoor Education Program.