Diversity & Inclusion

‘Failure is a valuable experience’: PhilaU commencement speaker Stephen Tang

The Science Center CEO was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the East Falls university.

University City Science Center CEO Stephen Tang speaks before the Class of 2016 at Philadelphia University's graduation ceremony. (Courtesy photo)

Much in the spirit of #Failfest, Stephen Tang had this to say to Philadelphia University’s Class of 2016:
“Failure is a valuable experience, it’s a natural consequence of risk.”
The president and CEO of the University City Science Center was chosen to deliver the undergraduate keynote address at the 132nd commencement of the East Falls institution.
“We aren’t fully alive unless we dare to stretch and grow ourselves way beyond what’s comfortable for us,” said Tang. “There is no progress without risk, and there is no risk without failure. Progress and growth lead to the opportunities to reinvent ourselves and our lives.”


The 2016 Rad Guy of the Year was also awarded a honorary doctorate during the ceremony.
Stephen Spinelli, Jr., president of Philadelphia University, said the recognition honored Tang’s “successful career in both business and science that embodies Philadelphia University’s belief in the importance of transdisciplinary education.”

Companies: Philadelphia University / University City Science Center
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