Thank you so much. I'd like to acknowledge and extend my heartfelt appreciation for this honorary doctorate to:

• The Board of Trustees Chair, Ms. Elizabeth Lisboa-Farrow and the Board of Trustees;
• President - Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis;
• Southeastern University faculty, graduates, family and friends.

As I stand here today, I feel my life has come full circle. Just 10 days ago, I was attending my oldest daughter's graduation ceremony from high school here at Constitution Hall - and celebrating my youngest daughter's advancement to high school.

Now today - 27 years later since I entered SEU to pursue a Masters Degree in Business Administration - I'm thrilled to accept this Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters, largely due to my life's work. In fact, one of the things that attracted me to Southeastern was its focus: "An Education for the Real World." While I didn't complete my graduate studies at Southeastern, much of what I learned was put to good use in the real world, and I thank you for that.

Back in 1982 when I joined Freddie Mac, I had no idea that I would be with the company for over 20 years -- or that I would now be the President and CEO of the Freddie Mac Foundation and Vice President of Community Relations. It's work for which I've had a passion since my childhood - and a privilege to help make life better for our nation's most vulnerable children, families and communities as my job.

I've been blessed with great role models, including Dr. Maya Angelou, the world-renowned poet, professor, philosopher and one of the most influential people of our time. As many of you know, Dr. Angelou overcame many challenges in her life, even as a child. And one of the reasons, she says, is something that will always stay with me: the concept that "You've been paid for." You know, someone before you has made your life easier to live.

Years ago when I was growing up in the nation's capital, African Americans were not allowed to enter DAR Constitution Hall. Who knew that I - a Washingtonian and African American woman - would one day be honored on this very stage? The reason is that many who came before us have "paid for us," opening doors that were once closed and reaching out to others in need of a hand to lift them up - not push them down and that is how I've tried to live my life - making the way a little better than I found it for those who will follow.

Many of you here at Southeastern have helped pave the way, by equipping generations of students with the education needed to seize opportunities and make a difference in the lives of others. That includes this auspicious graduating class of 2004 here today - and I applaud and congratulate each of you.

I am so honored to share today with Tim Russert - a man whose professional work the nation gets to see often - but Mr. Russert's commitment to the community - particularly the Boys & Girls Club is consistent, committed and caring - many young people lives' are influenced by his generosity.

Recently I had a meeting with Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, President Emerita of the National Council of Negro Women. She said to me that she heard I was getting an honorary degree from Southeastern in the next few weeks. I said yes - shocked that this 93 year-old world leader would even remember something like this. She asked, with a twinkle in her eye, "Is this your first?" I said, "Yes," and she said "I just got my 36th honorary doctorate last weekend - you have a lot of catching up to do!" Well that may be true, but please believe me when I tell you that I will always treasure my Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters, my first, and taking part in the Southeastern University's 88th Commencement. As important, I can now join the ranks of the SEU alumni - a dream come true for me.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.