Foreign correspondent Engardio seeks to inspire graduates
Central Michigan University Alumnus Pete Engardio hopes to use his story to inspire spring graduates for future success.
Engardio, an experienced journalist and foreign corespondent, was named this week as the spring commencement speaker. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. May 8 in Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
“I think, mainly, what I would talk about is that if you set your target really high for what you want to do with your life and career and are determined, you can reach it,” Engardio said.
It does not matter that students graduate from CMU or a more prestigious school — they can be just as highly trained through the programs at CMU, he said.
Engardio graduated in 1980 and worked for Central Michigan Life his first three years at CMU.
He has more than 25 years of writing experience and spent time as a senior writer and Asian Edition editor of BusinessWeek in New York from 1985 to last December.
Currently, Engardio is working on a book about the future of United States manufacturing.
He is a writer and an analyst focusing on the revolution of the global economy.
“He has gone on and been very, very successful,” said Steve Smith, director of Public Relations. “He’s a home-grown product that has gone on to the top of his field.”
Smith said he expects Engardio’s speech will interest students and both inspire and motivate them.
‘Set your sights high’
Sharon Russell, commencement coordinator, said students can relate to someone who attended CMU and was part of the same community.
“Mr. Engardio was a good choice to speak because he is a distinguished CMU alumnus, and he has had many life experiences,” Russell said. “We’re hopeful he can share with the graduates his experiences at CMU and how he succeeded in the highly competitive national and global media industry.”
Engardio encourages students to learn as much as they can from talented people.
Once students get a job and excel at it, they will find they are able to compete with everybody, Engardio said.
When he got to BusinessWeek, he realized most of the staff at CM Life could have done well there, he said.
Engardio said students and graduates should seek out new challenges.
“If you really want to aspire high, set your sights high,” Engardio said.
He had the opportunity to intern in South Korea through his graduate program at the University of Missouri, a main reason why he choose the program.
Engardio said he knew he wanted to be a foreign correspondent.
“I was able to just shoot over,” Engardio said. “Here’s what I want to do, and I went and did it.”
