On December 19, 2023, graduates of the University of North Dakota (UND) received an impactful message during their commencement ceremonies. Jill Cholewa, a distinguished alumna and retired business owner, posed a thought-provoking question: If they were an employer, would they hire themselves? This question was not merely rhetorical; it aimed to inspire personal reflection among the graduates as they prepare to enter the workforce.
Cholewa addressed students during three separate ceremonies held at the Chester Fritz Auditorium. The day began with a professional and graduate ceremony at 09:00, followed by two undergraduate ceremonies at 13:00 and 16:00. In total, there were 545 undergraduate students and 311 graduate students eligible to participate. The atmosphere was celebratory, with cheers filling the auditorium as President Andrew Armacost encouraged the audience to recognize the significance of the day.
“Today is a day of celebration,” Armacost remarked. “You braved the slick roads, the snow, and the wind, and we are grateful for your presence here. But this day is for you.”
Cholewa, who graduated from UND in 1977 and 1979, is a recipient of the Sioux Award for Distinguished Achievement and Leadership in 2015. Originally hailing from Hillsboro, she now resides in California with her husband. Together, they founded a lumber business in California in 1987, contributing to UND scholarships and establishing three endowments within the Nistler College of Business and Public Administration, the College of Education and Human Development, and for UND’s volleyball program, where Cholewa was a player during her time at the university.
During her speeches, Cholewa provided graduates with three lists aimed at promoting self-reflection and success. She emphasized four critical questions for self-evaluation: Would you hire yourself based on your curiosity? Would you hire the version of yourself that learns from mistakes and comes back stronger? Would you hire yourself based on your ability to work with others?
In addition to her reflective questions, Cholewa referenced eight key components for success articulated by actor Denzel Washington: hard work, patience, sacrifice, consistency, discipline, self-confidence, a positive attitude, and focus.
Cholewa underscored three essential qualities she believes are vital for sustained success: the willingness to listen, the courage to be vulnerable, and the concept of servitude. She encouraged graduates to embrace active listening and to welcome new perspectives. According to Cholewa, leaders who admit they do not have all the answers foster an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas. “The greatest leaders,” she stated, “are not those who demand to be served but those who view their roles as one of service to others.”
Cholewa also highlighted the importance of using their degrees to enhance the lives of their colleagues, communities, and the world at large. “The real value of your degree lies in what you do with it,” she said. By questioning their own worth, graduates can navigate a path toward growth, integrity, and excellence.
As she concluded her address, Cholewa reminded students not to overlook their personal journeys and the progress they have made over the past four years. Now is the time to trust in themselves and their abilities to continue moving forward. As they step into the next chapter of their lives, the challenge remains: “Would you hire you?”
