Victor Nunnemaker

As the first in his family to attend college and one who received life-changing scholarship support from Rotary, Victor Nunnemaker spoke directly to first-generation graduates (about a third of the 2023 class) and those receiving financial aid, almost all Menlo College students.

Nunnemaker reminded the cheering audience that their education is an invaluable tool for embracing adversity. His family challenges included violence and neglect, but he used his studies as a “superpower” for inspiration, resilience and drive. He urged the graduates to take “bold, calculated risks” in their young careers as they face the exponential change of rapid technological advances, climate crises, and the pandemic. While living boldly, Nunnemaker advised, graduates should choose their company wisely and find mentors, advisors to share moments of hope and point the way to new opportunities. Once graduates have found stability and success in their careers, they should pay it forward by becoming mentors to others who struggle. To that end, he created a foundation in his mother’s name to encourage everyone to become financially literate.

In closing, Nunnemaker asked graduates to ponder a sage piece of advice from Winston Churchill: