At Big Ideas Learning, we believe in the power of curiosity, courage, and meaningful impact. These values are not just foundational to how we approach education—they are essential to how we navigate life.
This past December, our CEO, Matthew Totzke, returned to his alma mater, Penn State Behrend, to deliver the Fall 2024 Commencement Address. Standing before graduates, faculty, and families, he shared an inspiring message centered on a simple but powerful formula:
Opportunity + Courage = Impact.
Matthew’s journey, from a student at Behrend to leading Big Ideas Learning, illustrates this equation in action. His words challenged graduates to seek out opportunities, take bold steps even in uncertainty, and use their experiences to make a lasting difference in their communities and careers.
The Power of Courage and Opportunity
Reflecting on writer Anaïs Nin’s words, “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage," Matthew shared how courage acts as the match that ignites the kindling of opportunity.
“An opportunity is merely a possibility; some action must be taken to make it more than a dream. An opportunity combined with the courage to take action, however, creates a new reality.”
He urged graduates to not only recognize opportunities but to proactively seek them out, even when the path forward is uncertain. Matthew acknowledged that taking risks can be uncomfortable, but those moments of discomfort often lead to the greatest growth.
Saying Yes and Knowing When to Say No
Matthew’s career has been shaped by both embracing the unknown and knowing when to decline opportunities that weren’t the right fit. He recounted a pivotal moment when he turned down a leadership role, despite pressure to accept it.
“The CEO was so surprised by my decision that he tried to change my mind by telling me that leadership opportunities like the one I turned down rarely happen, and I wouldn’t get another one. I was shaken and unsure whether his words were true. But I was also confident in my decision to say no."
The risk paid off. Years later, when the time was right, he stepped into the CEO role with a clear vision and deeper understanding of his strengths.
Making an Impact Beyond Yourself
Matthew emphasized that with opportunity comes responsibility, the responsibility to use our skills and influence to uplift others.
“I spent decades satisfied with the charitable work I facilitated through my professional career: internship and tuition reimbursement programs, college scholarships, and financial support for several community projects. This was valuable and impactful work, but it was not personal. It required very little of my own time, talent, and treasure.”
It was only when he said yes to personal involvement, serving on Behrend’s Council of Fellows Board of Directors, that he truly understood the depth of impact one person can have.
“My advice: Don’t wait to make an impact… You have a responsibility to open your hearts and be a positive influence in your community.”
At Big Ideas Learning, we see this same principle in action every day. Our work is about more than textbooks and curriculum, it’s about empowering educators, inspiring students, and shaping a future where learning transcends boundaries. We are committed to fostering curiosity and confidence in every student, just as Matt’s journey reflects the courage to take bold steps and create meaningful change.
Read the Full Speech
Matthew’s address embodies the values that define both Big Ideas Learning and the incredible students of Penn State Behrend.
Read the full Penn State Behrend commencement speech and learn more about the ceremony here.
As we celebrate this moment, we encourage everyone, whether a recent graduate or a lifelong learner, to embrace opportunities, take courageous steps, and make a lasting impact. What opportunities will you pursue next?
About Matthew Totzke
Chief Executive Officer Big Ideas Learning, a Larson Texts Company
Matthew Totzke is a seasoned executive and thought leader in education, currently serving as CEO of Big Ideas Learning, a leading publisher of K-Higher Ed mathematics programs. With a career spanning more than three decades in educational publishing and technology, he has played a pivotal role in driving innovation and expanding access to high-quality math education.
Matthew’s journey began at Larson Texts, where he started as an intern before rising through the ranks to lead the company. In 2023, he spearheaded the unification of Big Ideas Learning and Larson Texts under a single brand, positioning the organization for long-term growth and impact.
A proud Penn State Behrend alumnus, Matthew’s leadership and contributions to his field earned him the prestigious Penn State Alumni Fellow Award, the university’s highest honor for alumni achievement. He remains deeply engaged with his alma mater, serving on Penn State Behrend’s Council of Fellows Board of Directors and the Center for Family Business Advisory Board as well as co-chairing the Development and Alumni Relations Committee. In addition to Matthew’s support of the mathematics program through Big Ideas Learning, he and his wife personally established the Totzke Scholarship for Nursing Excellence to support students majoring in Nursing at Behrend.
Passionate about leadership, innovation, and lifelong learning, Matthew continues to drive Big Ideas Learning’s mission forward—ensuring students, educators, and caregivers have the tools to build confidence, curiosity, and conceptual understanding in mathematics.
Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn.
About Big Ideas Learning
Big Ideas Learning, founded in 2008 by Dr. Ron Larson—an award-winning and influential math textbook author—has been at the forefront of educational publishing. With over 35 million copies of Larson’s titles sold in the U.S., his impact on math education is profound. Building on Dr. Larson’s legacy, which began with his first edition of Calculus in 1978, Big Ideas Learning publishes rigorous, relevant, and conceptually rich K-Higher Ed mathematics programs. Our vision is to shape a future where education transcends boundaries, curiosity is nurtured, and individuals are inspired to dig deeper.