Message to the Class of 2024
Richard B. Handler ’83

Today, I have the honor of addressing the 2024 Graduating Class from the University of Rochester. Today’s world is a wonderful one, but sadly also one that includes much pain, suffering and complication. One of the biggest reasons to remain optimistic about the future are all of the “bright lights” from the University of Rochester that will be graduating this week. Now, more than ever, the world needs your intelligence, empathy, determination, passion and integrity to help solve problems and improve the lives, especially for so many in need.

For me, it feels like yesterday I was sitting in your exact graduation seats with many of the same hopes, dreams and aspirations that I am sure you all share. Since then, I have given some reflection on the things I know today that I wish I knew the day I received my newly minted degree from the University of Rochester. I share this list with the hope that perhaps one idea will resonate with at least one graduate and it will give her or him some perspective as they begin their next phase of life’s adventure.

100 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me After College And Before I Entered The Real World

For those of you with younger siblings, I’m also including the list I gave to my four college-bound children that resulted in the 100 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Went To College.

And finally, for those of you who may want to help build or even lead institutions, group or teams in the future, I share the list of the 100 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Became A CEO.

Wishing all graduates from every school the very best as they navigate their future and help make our world, ever better,

RICH HANDLER
Chair of the Board of Trustees, University of Rochester
CEO, Jefferies Financial Group
rhandler@jefferies.com
Pronouns: he, him, his
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