“In a world where you can be anything, be kind. Crack the code,” said Cecil Miller, UPMC Chautauqua Vice President of operations.

The JBC commencement was again held at the First Lutheran Church in Jamestown serving as the 133rd of its kind. There, members of the graduating class heard Miller, the 2019 commencement speaker, tell them that while intelligence and hard work is important, being likable is also key.

“It is about these four things, friendliness, relevance, empathy, and realness,” Miller said of achieving likability in life.

Miller, a Falconer native, said he left high school not knowing what he wanted to do. At first, he tried culinary but found his current path after meeting a series of mentors. Miller reinforced the idea that the graduating students may not know what their careers will be immediately. However, he continued to emphasize the importance of likability as the now graduates enter the workforce or extend their education.

Members of the JBC Class of 2019 completed a part of their journey when they walked across the First Lutheran Church stage to receive their diplomas. P-J photo by Jordan W. Patterson

“There’s a book by Tim Sanders called the ‘Likeability Factor,'” Miller said. “The thesis is that the more likable you are, the more successful you will be”

At commencement, the 2019 class also heard addresses from JBC President David Conklin, JBC president, and faculty speaker Jessica Halftown, both offered words of wisdom for the graduates as they enter the next phase of their life.

Additional awards were given to Christopher Hammond for maintaining a 4.0 GPA and the highest average for a four-year student. Samantha Boutelle, Annalee Alexander, Joseline Trejo, Jannelly Colon Cruz also received awards for the highest grade point averages in their respective capstone course.

“I am expecting great things from the Jamestown Business College class of 2019. I thank you again for this honor and congratulate you on your achievements,” Miller said.