In his speech, Hildebrand said he’s often asked by his students about how he knew what he wanted to do for his career.

“The truth is, I didn’t know and I didn’t plan,” Hildebrand said.

Hildebrand said that when he came into college, he intended to major in music. However, a science course he took as a university requirement called “The Nature of Living Things” changed everything for him.

“That gen-ed course had changed my life,” Hildebrand said. “That’s serendipity. An unexpected fortunate discovery. It wasn’t the first time chance and serendipity had guided my trajectory, and it wasn’t the last.”

Today, Hildebrand is an accomplished leader and scholar in the fields of neurobiology and chemical ecology who has received numerous awards including the Humboldt Research Award, the Max Planck Research Award, the Wigglesworth Memorial Award and the Silver Medal from the International Society of Chemical Ecology.

Hildebrand provided another example when serendipity impacted his life. He said he was at the library one night working on his Ph.D. in biochemistry, when a book with a praying mantis on the cover caught his attention. The book was called “Nerve Cells and Insect Behavior.”

Hildebrand, who is now recognized widely for his research regarding insect chemosensory behavior, said this book, which he read in one sitting, again changed the trajectory of his life.

“When I put (the book) back on the shelf, I felt a sort of epiphany,” Hildebrand said. “I just knew that I had stumbled on what would be my life's work. And now 60 years later, I can attest to that as well.”

Hildebrand advised graduating students to always stay open to the joy of discovery. 

“At any time in our lives, we know what we know, but we don't know what we don't know, and what might happen,” Hildebrand said. “So be prepared for chances in the beginning.”

Steve Schoonveld, who was in attendance honoring his wife who earned a Master’s Degree in nursing, said he enjoyed the ceremony and was happy for his wife’s accomplishment. 

“I love it," Schoonveld said. "She always wanted to do it, and I’m glad she got the opportunity to do it. She got to do what she always wanted to do.”

Schoonveld also said Hildebrand’s speech on the role of serendipity resonated with him. 

“Things don’t always go the way you plan ‘em to,” Schoonveld said. “Just, kind of, take the opportunities when they come up and make the best of it.” 

Deanna Kelleher has been a faculty member in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the last six and a half years while pursuing a doctoral degree in human nutrition. She received her degree tonight and was accompanied by her husband and daughter.

“It’s kind of like a full circle, because I’m actually an undergrad from here, too,” Kelleher said.

Kelleher said serendipity has played a role in her life. 

“This is a chance that I had earlier in my career to work on my doctorate,” Kelleher said. “It’s something that, at the time, I passed by, so when the opportunity came by again it was something I couldn't pass up,” Kelleher said. 

Interim President Teresa Woodruff ended the commencement by encouraging graduates to “dwell in possibility,” quoting a famous poem by Emily Dickinson. 

“On behalf of this entire university, I wish you all lives that are joyful, loving and rewarding,” Woodruff said.