Rep. John James urges Adrian College Class of 2025 to find their purpose
Posted Thursday, May 08, 2025
Author: Mickey Alvarado
U.S. Rep. John James of Michigan emphasized the importance of perseverance and finding purpose in life during his address to Adrian College’s Class of 2025 at spring commencement on Sunday, May 4.
James represents Michigan’s 10th Congressional District and recently announced his candidacy for governor.
“Let me talk to you about failure,” he told the graduates. “Failure is not final. It’s a data point — that’s all it is. It’s not a life sentence, not a moral judgment. Just information. Failure says, ‘This path didn’t work. Try another.’
“I’m chasing my purpose, not a paycheck,” he said. “I’ve had many jobs. I’ve lived in many places. And I’ve failed many, many times. But my entire adult life I was prepared to sacrifice everything in pursuit of my purpose.”
James explained that he has faced many setbacks in his life, but with determination and grit, he overcame failure to find success in his family life, business and politics. He spoke indirectly about himself after referencing Riley Gaines and Dan Campbell, who also overcame adversity to succeed. James shared that he didn’t get right into the high school or college he initially wanted — instead, he attended summer school and prep school first. He didn’t pass Ranger School on his first attempt, failing pre-Ranger and recycling the first phase. He joked that he didn’t win over his wife right away — she made him grow up first. He didn’t build a nine-figure company and create hundreds of jobs in Michigan alone. He nearly lost his primary contract, slept in his office, and had to build a team around him. He didn’t win a congressional seat right away either — he had to run more than once.
“That guy is a West Point graduate, a Ranger-qualified Apache pilot and combat veteran with two master’s degrees, a gorgeous wife, three beautiful children, and a successful automotive supply chain company — who just got reelected to Congress and is running to be the next governor of Michigan,” James said.
Adrian College had one of its highest numbers of graduates participate in the annual ceremony, with 40 graduate students and 314 undergraduates receiving diplomas. Twenty-seven graduates are from Lenawee County.
Adrian College President Jeffrey Docking told students they have reached an extraordinary milestone in their lives.
“Students, those of us on this stage join your families in expressing how proud we are of all of you on your graduation today,” Docking said. “You have earned the right to be here through endless nights of studying, testing, writing and dedication to learning. The diploma you will receive symbolizes your efforts and distinguishes you as a highly educated person — learned in the arts and sciences and prepared for a life of achievement and great accomplishment.”
James told the students they already understand what many people take decades to learn — that sacrifice is the only formula that works.
“Let me take a moment to say something about this campus that I’ve learned about this community and what it stands for,” James said. “Adrian College has built something very special. You’ve created not just an academic environment, but a culture of physical excellence, discipline and resilience. I understand like 70 percent of your student body are student-athletes. That is absolutely incredible. You’ve turned this college into a place where pushing the limits isn’t the exception, it’s the expectation.”
During the event, Patrick Farver, executive director of Lenawee Now and chairman of Adrian College’s Board of Trustees, was presented with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
“It is with great pride that we honor you as a man whose leadership, vision and generosity have left an enduring mark on Adrian College and the greater Lenawee County community,” Docking said. “Under his leadership, the college has experienced a period of unprecedented growth and innovation. His guidance was instrumental in the launch and success of the College of the Future initiatives. And thanks to his passion for the arts, particularly music, Adrian College is now home to the state-of-the-art, Patrick D. Farver Commercial Music Studio and academic major.”
Farver said he was truly humbled and deeply honored to receive the honorary doctorate.
“This recognition is not just a personal achievement, it symbolizes the collective efforts of all who have inspired and supported me along my journey,” Farver said. “Adrian College has long been a beacon of excellence in education, fostering a spirit of innovation and a commitment to service. It is a privilege to be associated with this institution that values the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of society.”
To watch the full commencement ceremony, visit youtube.com/@AdrianCollegeTV.
