“As you move forward, consider your obligations to yourself, Warnell, and the broader society we serve” — Warnell alum (2008-2012) and TIR Director of Forest Management, Cory Dukes, advises graduates.
ATLANTA, GA — As the alumni speaker at the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources commencement ceremony, Cory Dukes began his speech by congratulating each member of the graduating class and recognizing the families as well as Warnell faculty and staff who invested in the students’ success. Dukes went on to focus his remarks on important responsibilities and challenges to be faced post-graduation and offered three key lessons of life he has learned over the years.
Cory Dukes, CFA, Managing Director, Forest Management
“Focus on being a good team member,” which translates into “putting the needs of your team before your own,” Dukes advised.
“As you move forward, consider your obligations to yourself, Warnell, and the broader society we serve,” Dukes said. In terms of responsibility to oneself, he recommended embracing “continuous growth and learning” in addition to seeking “out new knowledge,” and seizing “every opportunity to expand horizons.” To Warnell, Dukes advised that graduates “stay engaged, contribute your expertise, and pay it forward to future generations of students.” Finally, for society, he urged graduates to “recognize the pivotal role of natural resource professionals in addressing the pressing challenges of our time” – including provision of “materials to house our growing population to safeguarding biodiversity in ever-changing landscapes.”
Dukes concluded his speech by providing graduates with advice he has acquired over the years which he said was relevant, “whether your next step is in business, the public sector, or continued academic research.” First, “show up early, stay late, and ask questions,” as this will be the time in a graduate’s career “to hustle and learn everything they didn’t teach you in school.” Secondly, “focus on being a good team member,” which translates into, “putting the needs of your team before your own.” Thirdly, “you are not defined by your profession,” so it is important to engage with your family, community, and other pursuits to live a full life.
Cory Dukes leads TIR’s Forest Management Team and has been with the company since 2012. He earned BS and MS degrees in Forest Resources at the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources.
