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Sanders, co-founder and managing partner of Arrowpoint Labs and chief business officer of Singular Immune, says he didn’t have a master plan after graduating from UW-Eau Claire in 2015 with a degree in materials science. Each step of his professional career was guided not by certainty, but by curiosity and a willingness to take risks, Sanders says.

“That’s the beauty of not having it all figured out: It leaves room for discovery,” Sanders says. “It gives you the freedom to pivot, to explore, to find passions and purposes that you never even knew existed. Some of you may walk out of here today with a clear vision of what you want to do. Others may be less certain. Both paths are valid. Both paths are worthy.”

Sanders, one of UW-Eau Claire’s two Rhodes Scholars, delivered the “Charge to the Class” at both ceremonies where 659 Blugolds received degrees at The Sonnentag. Sanders is among seven alumni and friends of the university recognized during the ceremonies as UW-Eau Claire Alumni Association award recipients.

Reflecting on his life since graduation, Sanders says personal growth often happens in the “in-between spaces” between certainty and doubt, or success and failure. Sanders says failure is a steppingstone to success and every misstep is an opportunity to learn and grow.

“Don’t fear failure; embrace it,” Sanders says. “Let it teach you resilience. Let it refine your vision. Let it remind you that progress is often messy, but always worth it.”

Sanders encouraged graduates to explore and dream, seeking out people and mentors who lift them up and believe in them.

“As you leave this institution and step into the world, know that you are not defined by your job title, your salary or the speed at which you achieve your goals,” Sanders says. “You are defined by your character, your curiosity and your commitment to leaving people and the communities you are a part of better than when you found them.”

During his message, Chancellor James Schmidt reminded graduates that their path to earning a Blugold degree often was difficult as they balanced classes, research, internships, work and life.

“Even if the path behind you now looks clear and inevitable, each of you undoubtedly faced challenges along the way,” Schmidt says. “But you kept going. You didn’t shy away from difficulties. Instead, you found opportunities to think differently.”

Schmidt says that while commencement and saying goodbye to campus can be bittersweet, graduates now carry UW-Eau Claire with them into the future.

“With gratitude for your experiences, excitement for the future and a strong character as your guide, let today be a celebration for the new chapter that now commences,” Schmidt says. “If you keep walking the rare and difficult path of excellence, I have no doubt you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”