Building Everlasting Bonds: Graduation 2009

Tiffani Neal, daughter of Leonard Neal (Patten University at San Quentin, class of 2000), gave the keynote address at graduation.

Growing up in a home without a father was a little strange, when you knew both of your parents were married. It seems like yesterday that
my siblings and I experienced emotional breakdowns after or during
visiting times, when we knew that our father had to stay at San Quentin State Prison, as we departed to a home that he’d never been to. Thanks to our loving mother. She kept our family together being the strong rock that she is. Although my father and I did not share the physical world that I always knew (freedom) and enjoyed, our relationship still had a close bond through letters, prison visits and weekend family visits every once in a while.

Well, because of our close father/daughter relationship, I felt that it would be important to accept the request of being the keynote speaker for the 2009 Prison University Project/Patten University Commencement. To tell the truth, walking into the prison without being searched or stressing on whether the guards were going to be rude and unpleasant, felt GREAT! Those that have ever had the experience know exactly what I mean.

Looking at all the graduates and hearing the valedictorian speak,
brought back the good memories I had watching my own father receive higher education and a diploma from Patten University.
It brought such joy to me to be able to encourage the graduates to continue to strive for academic excellence through my speech. Knowledge is power and can make the transition back into society
a little better. Most of all I wanted them to understand how important it is to their children and/or their family. I really hope that the graduates receive my key message: Education builds everlasting relationships and bonds, which can and will improve their lives,
their children’s lives, and their family as a whole.