When I came across this speech by my friend Chad Killebrew, I knew it was exactly something that I wanted to share on my blog. He recently graduated from the University of Utah, with his Ph.D I think in humor! He did this while commuting back and forth from Arizona to Utah, away from his family for periods of time, and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in the process. Chad is a very positive individual and he can be very proud of his accomplishment. I am grateful to know Chad and be his friend. Congratulations Chad! A job well done.

Chad wrote the following:
“Ph.D. Commencement Speech” 5/3/2020:
Thank you, Dean Randall, distinguished guests – Reese, Twix, and Rolo (our Pitbull and two “working cats”). To family and friends who have gathered with us to celebrate this occasion, either in our backyard (which means that you are violating mandatory stay-at-home orders and will be arrested following the ceremony), or online, I feel your love and generous spirits. I am pleased that most of you are at your own homes…because, frankly, it makes feeding you and cleaning up after you so much easier.

Now then, if you see my right hand shaking, or if I look off in the distance searching for purpose and meaning for an uncomfortably long stretch of time, well…that’s Parkinson’s. Give it a few minutes and I’ll pull it together. My daughter, Kate, has been assigned to finish my speech if I am unable to do so. By the way, if my left hand starts shaking, it is likely a stroke or heart attack. So, please call 9-1-1 and ask for Joe, he’s the most responsive. No…no…no…my cardiovascular system is just fine… However, I will say that today, my heart is full; full of love and gratitude for all of you.

I’ve heard it said that “if we do not get out of our comfort zones, then we will not learn. If we don’t learn, then we will not grow. [And] If we don’t grow, then we will not find happiness.” (Packer). I’m a huge fan of growth and happiness. Sometimes growth, however we define it, is dependent on a journey; at least, that’s been my experience.

In 2012, with the love and encouragement of my angel wife, Mary Killebrew (who is ACTUALLY…not practically, but ACTUALLY PERFECT IN EVERY WAY), I left an established and predictable career to pursue a Ph.D. in Strategy and Entrepreneurship at the University of Utah Eccles School of Business…Go Utes!!

My wife and children stayed in Arizona while I moved in with my Mom in Utah, returning to my childhood bedroom. For two years, I commuted back and forth between Arizona and Utah, spending 9 of every 15 days away from my family. During this time, my sweet mother, without consulting either me or my sister – decided to get married. While neither my sister, nor I, had been consulted, only one of us had to sleep in the basement of a newlywed household. It was wonderful!

The Ph.D. program itself was very challenging! I questioned the decision nearly every day. I did not believe that I was smart enough to get this done. It was a brutal time. At the halfway point, I started experiencing some pain in my right arm, it had a “twitch”. It was difficult to type and nearly impossible to write. In addition to the physical symptoms, I was also experiencing some cognitive hurdles. I could access the knowledge-sets in my brain, but recall, search, and concept integration were hampered.

After a battery of tests and several “second” opinions, I accepted the diagnosis: YOPD – Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease. They say that if you’ve met one person with Parkinson’s, then you’ve met one person with Parkinson’s; in other words, it affects everyone a little differently. For me, It was impacting my writing, typing, and thinking; things I would need to crank out a dissertation. Publicly, I put on a brave face. Privately, I gave up hope. I was worried about being a good husband and father; a Ph.D. seemed unachievable, unimportant.There were some dark days.

The sun came back into my life gradually. I don’t recall the exact sequence of events, but I remember watching a video of Michael J. Fox and his wife. They were so wonderful and inspiring. I felt hope. Then, my children bought me a shirt with a picture of Mohammad Ali on it. He was standing over a defeated opponent in absolute glory. Above the picture was the caption, “THE GREATEST.” For those of you who don’t know, Ali suffered from Parkinson’s, too. It’s just one more think I have in common with the champ. With that, I felt motivated. As I worked with my neurologist, psychologist, psychiatrist, physical therapist, and chiropractor, the fog started to lift…I could see a pathway forward. With each step along the path, my hope and motivation increased. Nothing came easy, nothing was guaranteed. Little by little, there was progress!

I am forever indebted to the University of Utah, the Eccles School of Business, and specifically, Todd Zenger, Jay Barney, Bill Hesterly, Bill Schulze, and Jackson Nickerson for sharing their brilliant minds, their valuable time, and their kind hearts. Oh, and their patience! They exercised a tremendous amount of patience.

I am also grateful for my fellow students: Heidi Herrick, Caroline (CJ) Justice, Cameron Verhaal, Ryan Angus, Matthew Barlow, Dave Howe, and Jeremy Cox. Without your humor, intelligence, help and support, this would not have happened.

Speaking of this not happening… with Covid-19 and the stay-at-home orders that led to the cancelation of graduation ceremonies, I basically wrote graduation off. When my cap and gown came in the mail last week, I left the package sealed.
And sealed it would have stayed were it not for John Krasinski. My family was watching an episode of SGN – Some Good News – when he announced graduation for all. My wife and children decided to host a graduation for me in our back yard. So, thanks, John!
Finally, many others contributed to this day, this moment. Special thanks to my wife’s amazing family! Peter, Diane, you have raised amazing children. Special thanks to my Mom for bringing me into this world and letting me stay in the basement rent free! To Roger for the goodness of your soul! To my sister, who continues to teach me street smarts to match my book smarts. To my children: Ben, Kate, Ella, and Brixley; you inspire me! I love you and I’m so proud of all of you! To my amazing wife: I love you FOREVER! Oh, and a… it’s your turn now. To my grandma and grandpa who taught me to work hard, be generous, and understand that it’s not about me, it’s about giving to others. I love you! I miss you! I can’t wait to see you soon!

And finally, thank you to my Savior, Jesus Christ, who makes it possible to offer a broken heart and a contrite spirit.