MICDS Board Chair Addresses Class of 2025

Jason Brauer ’94, P ’24, ’26, and ’28, Board Chair, addressed the Class of 2025 at their Commencement on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Here are his remarks.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, welcome to the MICDS Commencement Ceremony and congratulations to the great Class of 2025!

When I learned that I’d have the honor of addressing this exceptional class, I asked myself: What could I possibly say that they haven’t already heard?

Some of you have been students at this school, or one like it, for the last 12 or 13 years, going all the way back to Pre-Kindergarten. That’s more than 25,000 hours of instruction and learning in classrooms and hallways, on stages, and across athletic fields.

As I reflected on this moment and, truthfully, procrastinated just a little bit, I happened to start reading a book by Thomas Ricks titled First Principles: What America’s Founders Learned from the Greeks and Romans and How That Shaped Our Country. Though published several years ago, I think it remains remarkably relevant today.

One of the most striking insights from the book is how deeply the Founding Fathers studied ancient Rome and Greece, and how those classical philosophers influenced their thinking. In examining their writings and letters, Ricks found that one word appeared more frequently than any other. It wasn’t “freedom” and it wasn’t “democracy.” It was virtue.

Perhaps unknowingly, Ricks then went on to channel his inner Jay Rainey and he dove right into the etymology and significance of the word. He explained that the Founders believed virtue, both public and private, was essential for the success of the republic. They emphasized civic engagement and the idea of sacrificing personal interest for the common good.

Centuries ago, that kind of sacrifice helped build our nation. Today, it helps shape lives of purpose and service. And while you may not have encountered “virtue” on any exams or syllabi, it is woven into the fabric of this community. So present, in fact, it may sometimes go unnoticed.

Consider this: we’re here today to celebrate 150 seniors, yet more than 1,500 loved ones, teachers, and friends have gathered to honor them. The number of supporters in these stands outnumbers the graduates by more than 10 to 1.

This extraordinary crowd includes devoted parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends. It includes the gifted and dedicated faculty and staff of this remarkable school. Our graduates need look no further than this audience to see the power of sacrifice, support, and love in action.

Inspired by their example, and on behalf of the Board of Trustees, we wish you every success as you go forth to live virtuous lives: lives of purpose and service.