Morgan Hardy welcomes School of Arts and Sciences graduates to the ‘next chapter’ at 153rd Commencement
Morgan Hardy, ’03, chief executive officer for Leadership Buffalo, delivered a powerful speech to the graduating Class of 2025 during the School of Arts and Sciences afternoon Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17. Hardy addressed a full crowd in the Sports Arena for Buffalo State’s 153rd annual Commencement, during which the university conferred degrees on nearly 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students over three ceremonies.
“I could spend more time giving you additional advice, or wise counsel about navigating life—words about hard work, resilience, finding your passion—but the truth is, you’ve probably heard it all already, or you soon will from every corner you turn,” Hardy said. “So instead, let me be one of the first to say: welcome to your next chapter—where comfort zones end, and greatness begins.”
Hardy (formally Williams-Bryant) earned a bachelor of arts degree in broadcast communication from Buffalo State and a master of arts degree in organizational leadership from Medaille University. As CEO of Leadership Buffalo, she oversees the growth and professional development and civic engagement of leaders across the Greater Buffalo area. Hardy is also the founder and CEO of MWB Ignites, LLC, a global consultancy firm that elevates individuals and organizations through leadership development training and workshops to help awaken untapped talents, gifts, and boundless potential.
Below is the full text of Hardy’s speech:
Good afternoon!
Oh, my goodness. I am back home! June of 1999 is when I set foot on this campus to start my undergraduate journey here at Buffalo State University, and actually moving on campus to Porter Hall that August where I spent the next four years fully involved and invested in campus life.
So, I understand the Buffalo State University community very well. And, out of all of my accomplishments, I hold my time at this institution and the experiences I received here, one of the closest to my heart. To say that I am honored doesn’t quite begin to describe the feeling of receiving this award and speaking to you this afternoon.
To my dear sorority sister and someone I continue to look up to. Who I met when I was a bright-eyed freshman on this campus…President Durand, thank you. To the committee that chose me for the Distinguished Alumni Award, thank you!
Since graduating in May of 2003, I have been blessed and accomplished many things, from launching my own business MWB Ignites and the Champion Made Empowerment Summit, to—at that time—being the youngest deputy commissioner of Youth Services for Erie County, to leading the largest department at Girl Scouts of WNY, overseeing nine counties, to now being the first black person to be named as CEO of Leadership Buffalo. It has been an amazing journey. One filled with lessons, excitement, disappointment, tears, and joy. Because that is all a part of life.
But out of all those things, there are three key learnings I always carry with me:
- My faith should remain my driving force. In the hardest moments of life, in the greatest moments of life, it is my belief in God that keeps me centered, humbled, and making choices with integrity.
- Be kind to people. Every room you enter is a garden and an opportunity to help someone bloom. The question you always want to ask yourself is: When in your presence, will you leave someone wilted and dehydrated or watered… and full of life? The choice is yours.
- It is OK to fail, because that shows you were bold enough to take a chance: Life is learned in real-time—through mistakes, hard conversations, discomfort, and the moments when you wonder, “Can I really do this?” The answer is YES—but only if you’re willing to keep showing up, imperfect and evolving.
Now, I could spend more time giving you additional advice, or wise counsel about navigating life—words about hard work, resilience, finding your passion—but the truth is, you’ve probably heard it all already, or you soon will from every corner you turn.
You’ve made it this far, and that speaks volumes. So instead, let me be one of the first to say: welcome to your next chapter.
Welcome to your next chapter—where comfort zones end, and greatness begins.
Welcome to your next chapter—where you will fail forward, because failure isn’t a dead end, it’s just proof you’re trying something bold.
Welcome to your next chapter—where dreams are no longer “one day talk,” they’re your mission. Your blueprint and leave behind your footprint. To guide someone else.
Welcome to your next chapter—where every setback becomes a setup for your greatest comeback. Where doubt gets drowned out by determination. Where your voice, your vision, and your fire can’t be ignored.
Welcome to your next chapter—where you don’t wait for the world to change, you change the world. Where the question isn’t “Who’s going to let me?” but rather “Who’s going to stop me?”
Welcome to your next chapter—where you build, create, teach, lead, and shake the ground beneath your feet.
Welcome to your next chapter—where you become the author of a story so powerful, they’ll tell it for years to come. Where your only limit is the one you refuse to break through.
Welcome to your next chapter—where today’s celebration becomes tomorrow’s transformation.
Class of 2025, this is your launchpad, your opening line, your blank page. So, take the pen, raise your head, and write something unforgettable.
Welcome to your next chapter—where shrinking isn’t an option and showing up is the only language you know.
Welcome to your next chapter—where you no longer ask, “Am I ready?” and instead declare boldly, “I am ready!”
Welcome to your next chapter, where you understand what it means to be Champion Made.
Which is fear-facing, comfort zone smashing, statistic breaking legacy builders.
Welcome to your next chapter—where you turn up the volume on who you are and never hit mute again. Where you chase what sets your soul on fire. The world doesn’t need a quieter version of you—it needs the full, fearless, unapologetic you.
Welcome to your next chapter —where you make your bold move and never apologize for asking a question, making a suggestion, and taking up space. Where confidence is your new currency and courage is your compass.
Welcome to your next chapter—where you walk into rooms like you belong there, because you do. Where your confidence meets purpose, where you step fully into your potential, where your ideas matter, your voice carries weight, and your presence makes a difference.
You’ve earned your seat at the table—now speak up, show up, and shake things up. The future isn’t just waiting for you—it’s depending on you.
Welcome to your next chapter —where impossible is just another challenge waiting for your yes. Where limits dissolve —where your spark becomes a blaze, where your dreams stop whispering and start roaring.
Welcome to your next chapter—where you don’t just chase dreams, you outrun them. Where you rewrite the rules, raise the bar, and break every ceiling in sight.
Welcome to your next chapter—where your name becomes synonymous with impact. Where fear takes a backseat, and you take the wheel.
Welcome to your next chapter—where you don’t wait for the light at the end of the tunnel, you become it. Where you lead, create, disrupt, inspire, and never hold back. Where you step into your power, speak your truth, and leave your mark.
Welcome to your next chapter—where the world doesn't shape you, but you shape the world. Where your story goes from being written for you, to being written by you.
Welcome to your next chapter—where you make your bold move, and the world moves with you. Welcome to your next chapter—where you stop fitting in and start standing out. Where you build something that lasts long after you’ve left the room.
Welcome to your next chapter—where the world doesn’t tell you who you are… you tell the world. Where you go from being inspired… to being the inspiration. Where your ideas change conversations, your actions shift cultures, and your story ignites possibility.
Welcome to your next chapter—where you’re no longer just a student of life, but a leader in it. Where this moment becomes momentum, and this stage becomes your launchpad.
Welcome to your next chapter—where you don’t ask for seats at the table—you build your own, and invite others in.
Welcome to your next chapter—where you look in the mirror and see the future, the dream, the game-changer looking back at you.
Welcome to the next chapter—where you understand that you are essential to progress. And you are the base behind the fly-est beat. Where pressure becomes your playlist and you have the courage to dance anyway.
As I stand here today, I am looking out at the next changemaker. The next champion. The next name we celebrate on this stage. Buffalo State University’s next Distinguished Alum.
So, welcome to your next chapter—where your legacy continues. Where you’re uncommon, unstoppable because your passion is on fire and your will is unbreakable. Where you are undeniable, unforgettable—and where you unleash your potential, shattering limits and redefining what’s possible.
This is your time to rise, to shine, to make the world yours, one step at a time. Look where you are. Look how far you have come. Look at what you've done. And now—look at where you’re about to go.
Class of 2025, this is your turning point. So, raise your voice. Lift your head. Celebrate and OWN this moment.
I proudly welcome you to your next chapter!
Congratulations!
Photo by Jesse Steffan-Colucci, Buffalo State photographer.
