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UD recognizes new grads
5:45 p.m., Jan. 8, 2005--Members of the Class of 2004 left the clouds and rain outside as they gathered on their special day to receive diplomas Saturday, Jan. 8, during Winter Commencement ceremonies in UD’s Bob Carpenter Sports/Convocation Center. Speaking to near-capacity audience from a stage displaying the flags of the home states and countries of UD students, President David P. Roselle congratulated the degree recipients and extended a welcome to them and their families, friends and sponsors attending the ceremony, which was webcast live on the Internet. Of the 1,242 students who completed their degree requirements in August and December, nearly 500 attended the ceremony.
Jo Anne B. Barnhart, a 1975 UD graduate who became the 14th commissioner of the Social Security Administration in 2001, continued a tradition of UD distinguished alumni serving as guest speakers at Winter Commencement ceremonies. In welcoming the newest members of the Class of 2004, Barnhart recalled the sense of exuberance she felt on graduating from UD and embarking on what has proven to be a challenging and rewarding career. “As I thought about what I would say this morning, I remembered well the sense of accomplishment, of completion, that I felt exactly 30 years ago when I received my diploma from this University,” Barnhart said. “I know each and every one of you is experiencing those same feelings today, and well you should, for in many ways, you have been working toward today for your entire life.”While encouraging the graduates to celebrate their academic achievements, she reminded them that the most interesting and challenging part of their lives lies ahead. “No doubt, you will, and should, celebrate this life passage with friends and family, and, perhaps, even heave a huge sigh of relief that you have accomplished your mission,” Barnhart said. “But, in reality, your mission in life is just beginning.” In quoting Emily Dickinson’s poem, “I Dwell in Possibility,” Barnhart said that, while today’s graduates have spent years preparing for graduation, UD has spent these same years preparing its students for the future.
Barnhart also told the graduates that knowledge, insight and analytical skills acquired through study and hard work can open the world to them. “For Dickinson, poetry allowed her mind to navigate into uncharted places,” Barnhart said. “For each of you, your academic preparation, coupled with a questioning spirit, can guide your own navigation in whatever field you choose to pursue.” When she received her bachelor’s degree from UD in 1975, Barnhart said she had no way of knowing that 30 years later she, in turn, would be addressing the graduating class at her alma mater and speaking to them as commissioner of the Social Security Administration. “The outstanding professors I was fortunate to have as an English major instilled in me a love of our language and an understanding of the importance of the precision, the meaning and the endurance of the written word,” Barnhart said. “By opening my mind to the world of literature, they opened my door to the world.”Barnhart also recalled reflecting on the path that led her to her current position and thanking those who had the most profound effect on her life, including her son, Niles. He “allows me every day to see through his eyes the possibility of what can be,” she said. While optimism is a great asset, simply wishing and believing are not always enough, Barnhart said.
“Accomplishment requires dedication, hard work and determination. Achievement presents challenges that test our abilities and require that we use every bit of our knowledge, experience and talent to see the job through,” Barnhart said. “And, the more knowledge and life experience we gain, the more we foresee, predict and anticipate the challenges, problems and issues that we have learned are inevitable.” Although this accumulation of knowledge can be useful in meeting the many challenges that lie after graduation, Barnhart cautioned against succumbing to cynicism and focusing too much on why certain things appear to be impossible. “Dream big and make your wishes come true,” Barnhart said. “As Emerson said, ‘Do not go where the path may lead, go where there is no path.’ Use your knowledge and abilities to figure out ways to overcome the seemingly impossible.” In advising new members of the Class of 2004 to “seek and find inspiration and example from those who came before and those who you will meet along the way,” Barnhart recounted the help and inspiration she received from the late Delaware U.S. Sen. Bill Roth Jr.
Barnhart also noted the accomplishments of several individuals, including suffragettes Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who died before their dreams of securing the right to vote for women in America became a reality. “But, because of their work, every time a woman goes to the polls—over 50 million women went last November alone—they pull the lever of a dream come true,” Barnhart said. Barnhart also advised the graduates to view setbacks as temporary obstacles and to approach their careers with hope and a sense of what is possible. “The future is yours to shape,” Barnhart said. “While those of us from the older generations are celebrating with you today, we also are depending on you.” Medals of Distinction Also during the ceremony, Howard E. Cosgrove, chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, awarded the University’s Medal of Distinction to Paul and Gloria Fine in recognition of their commitment to education and public service. “Paul and Gloria Fine are being honored today for their individual and joint accomplishments,” Cosgrove said. “Their contributions to the state of Delaware over a 40-year period have left a lasting legacy for the citizens of our state.”
More than 15 years ago, the Fines established a “Vision of Hope” scholarship trust for 30 low-income students at Conrad Middle School in Wilmington. These scholarships are designated for public school students with college potential who might not otherwise attend college. “We are thrilled to see that so many of the Vision of Hope students who came to the University of Delaware graduated from the University. Many of them have gone on to get master’s degrees and two of them are getting their doctorates,” Gloria Fine said. The Medal of Distinction is presented to individuals who have made humanitarian, cultural, intellectual or scientific contributions to society, have achieved noteworthy success in their professions or have given service to the University, the state and the region. Jarrad Van Stan, a voice major and a member of the Class of 2005, sang the national anthem and the alma mater at the ceremony. Article by Jerry Rhodes To learn how to subscribe to UDaily, click here. |
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