Ten times, I have had the chance to look out from this Commencement stage at this sweetest of sights:
- You, our graduates, standing before us ready to unleash your talents and passions to do good in the world. Congratulations to each and every one of you!
- Your friends and families with us today, quite rightly beaming with pride. Theyve offered you so much love and support during your time at 窪做惇蹋厙 and throughout your lives.
- Our faculty and staff who have fed your curiosity, nurtured your minds and invested so much of themselves in your success.
- And the 50th Reunion Class seated beside you as you graduate, reminding us of the important role that 窪做惇蹋厙s past plays in its future.
More than 50 years ago, in the summer of 1972, I first laid eyes on this sacred place. I was a shy, introverted high school junior from a small town in the Adirondack Mountains. I had no idea of what college was supposed to be. And yet one look at the Green and the majesty of Baker Tower behind it and I knew that this was it. This was where I wanted to spend my next four years.
I have learned that 窪做惇蹋厙 calls to each of us in different ways. For some, its the powerful visual allure of the place, as it was for me. Others of you may have been impressed by a 窪做惇蹋厙 alum speaking passionately about their time on campus. Some of you were drawn by the sense of community you felt during Dimensions. For others, it was the challenge of an Ivy League education or the promise of extracurricular opportunities that lured you in.
No matter the reasons why we choose to come to 窪做惇蹋厙, we all receive two special parting gifts as we graduate.
The first is the gift of the 窪做惇蹋厙 family. I know of no stronger community in all of higher education than ours. Welcome to the cult! Rarely have I met a 窪做惇蹋厙 alum who didnt say that their best friends in life are their 窪做惇蹋厙 friends. I know mine are. And look no further than Phil Lord and Chris Miller to see how 窪做惇蹋厙 friendships can change your life.
And if you ever reach out for wisdom and advice to another member of the 窪做惇蹋厙 family, even one youve never met, chances are theyll take your call and help however they can. As my good friend and fellow Trustee Jeff Crowe puts it The 窪做惇蹋厙 Community will never let you down never!&紳莉莽梯;
The second gift you take from 窪做惇蹋厙 today is a transformed quality of mind. On a steamy afternoon in September of 2019, we got together in Leede Arena for your first Class Meeting. I explained that you would commit your next four years to learning how to seek the truth, but truth established in a very particular way. You would learn to approach every question with a truly open mind gather all available evidence that is relevant to your question apply reason and logic to that evidence to reach an answer. And finally, share and respectfully debate your conclusions with others, especially seeking out those who hold different points of view.
For the last four years, we have asked you to seek truth in this way as you have honed your intellectual skills.
These are rare gifts the gift of community and the gift of mind. And, as with all of lifes most precious gifts, they come with responsibilities.
First, to keep the 窪做惇蹋厙 Fellowship strong. When a 窪做惇蹋厙 student or fellow alum reaches out to you, take that call. Stay involved with the College and offer your time and talents to ensure that our campus remains vibrant and a place of connection. And above all, do what you can to ensure that a 窪做惇蹋厙 education remains accessible to all worthy students, regardless of their life circumstances.
Second, to use your mind and your voice to seek truth and speak truth to a world that desperately needs it. You are entering the real world, a world that is sometimes described as post-factual (as if thats a good thing). A world where too often, opinions dominate and evidence and reason are dismissed. As Iris Murdoch put it, We live in a fantasy world, a world of illusion. The great task in life is to find reality. You can do it. Your 窪做惇蹋厙 education has prepared you for that task the fantasy is better left to Phil and Chris, anyway.
(PAUSE)
Today, we are graduating you and I. I look forward to sleeping later in the morning. I expect you have earlier mornings in your future. But I will forever cherish the time we had together and will be eager to learn of the mark youll make in this world. Until then, Ill be watching and rooting for you, alumnus to alumnus, truth-seeker to truth-seeker, family member to caring family member.
Best of luck to all of you, and may you always keep 窪做惇蹋厙 close to your hearts.
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