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University of Delaware holds 153rd Spring Commencement
 

Click here for a picture album from UD’s 153rd Commencement.

Click here for a low-resolution video from UD’s 153rd Commencement.

Click here for a high-resolution video from UD’s 153rd Commencement.

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May 25, 2002—On a picture-perfect Saturday morning, members of the Class of 2002, their families, friends and faculty gathered in Delaware Stadium to celebrate personal achievements and mark the University of Delaware’s 153rd Commencement.

President David P. Roselle welcomed the approximately 23,000 attendees and congratulated the graduates on a job well done.

New Jersey Superior Court Judge John E. Wallace, a member of the Class of 1964, introduced the featured speaker, his former coach Harold “Tubby” Raymond. When Raymond approached the lectern, members of the Class of 2002 rose to greet him with a standing ovation.

One of only nine head coaches in collegiate football history to win 300 or more games, Raymond retired earlier this year after a 48-year career at UD, including 36 years as head coach of the Fightin’ Blue Hens.

Addressing the students seated on the field that UD’s Board of Trustees recently named in his honor, Raymond began on a light note, saying he “graciously agreed to let the University use my field for this ceremony.”

Raymond expressed his pride and love for UD, which he called one of the nation’s greatest universities, and he told members of the Class of 2002 that they are “an academically elite group with a great deal going for you.

“Each class builds upon the accomplishments of those who have gone before, and in the future, your achievements may well shower you and the University with further acclaim,” Raymond said.

“Much is expected of you,” he said, adding, “Expectations for your continued success are high.”

Raymond noted that all is not well with the world, and he counseled the graduates that they should expect some discomfort. “We are at war against invisible enemies; the economy is unstable; new jobs and exciting careers may be difficult to initiate now. It’s cold out there,” he said.

He reminded the graduates that success is based on self-discipline and hard work. “You don’t just win on Saturday,” Raymond said. “You win a little every day. “

Raymond encouraged graduates to invest strongly in aspects of character, including honesty, ethics, loyalty and spiritual development.

“Don’t be afraid to show love and goodness,” he said. “Love and respect both your teammates and opponents, whatever your vocation, for they are all being tested, too.”

Citing the successes of former UD athletes Richard Gannon, now a quarterback for the Oakland Raiders in the National Football League, and Class of 2002 graduate Jamin Elliott, recently drafted by the Chicago Bears, Raymond said that success often begins “as a vision of what it would be like to succeed.

“The result of truly hard work can create the talent of your dreams,” Raymond said. “Many highly skilled people credit hard work for what others think is natural talent.”

In closing, Raymond quoted author Mark Twain, urging graduates to “throw out the bow lines and sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails, explore dreams and discover.”

“Once again, may I express our pride in you and my love for Delaware,” Raymond concluded.“May I congratulate you again and wish you the best. May your dreams come true.”

The ceremony began with a UD tradition, as alumni representing classes from the1940s to 2001 marched onto the field to loud applause. Several members of this year’s 50th reunion class—the Class of 1952—also participated. Leading the procession were three members of the Class of 2002—Monica Marchetta, Natalie Millie, and David Kovara, this year’s recipients of the Alumni Association’s Warner and Taylor awards, which recognize, respectively, the outstanding senior women and man.

In his remarks, Roselle mentioned the events of Sept. 11 and how impressed he was with response from the UD community.

“I have always been proud to be a member of the UD community, but never more so than in the days, weeks and months that followed Sept. 11,” Roselle said. “With the horror of that day giving everyone cause to reflect and consider the importance of what they are doing, my faith in the importance of the University’s mission and in its young people has only been strengthened.”

Lauren B. Brohawn of Newark, who received her bachelor of science degree in wildlife conservation in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, was elected to a one-year term May 21 as the recent graduate trustee on the UD Board of Trustees.

Article by Jerry Rhodes

Photos by Jon Cox