March 18, 2002

Gov. Perry advises DBU students to preserve their integrity
___By George Henson
___Staff Writer
___DALLAS--Gov. Rick Perry advised Dallas Baptist University students to prize their "youthful idealism," remember what is

TEXAS Gov. Rick Perry speaks at Dallas Baptist University.

really important in life and preserve their integrity.
___"There's nothing more refreshing than youthful idealism," Perry told a packed house during a chapel service.
___He harkened back to the Apostle Paul's admonition to Timothy not to be ashamed of his youth.
___"You may not have the experience of others, but you have the hopes, dreams and idealism that can change the world around you," he said.
___He reminded them to look for their niche in life, because every individual is different in background and perspective.
___"You may find your voice somewhere else than a John Deere tractor, where I did," he said.
___Sept. 11 was a reminder to many of what is really important, Perry said--love one for another.
___"Prosperity is not wrong, but prosperity without values is emptiness," he told students.
___"A six-figure executive that provides for his family financially but never spends time with his children is not as well off as the blue-collar worker who lives from paycheck to paycheck but is active in the lives of his children," he said. "Your life is defined by the impact you've had on those you left behind."
___Students also were warned to guard their integrity.
___"Integrity exchanged for expediency is never a good exchange," Perry said. "You can regain your pride, but it's very hard to regain your reputation."
___A little humility also is not a bad thing, he said.
___"Don't be afraid to own up to your mistakes. The First Lady says it would be a really dreadful world if I was never wrong," he quipped.
___Perry and his family are members of Tarrytown United Methodist Church in Austin.

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