The author of a definitive book on Abraham Lincoln urged Vanderbilt seniors to emulate America’s 16th president as they make their way in the world.

“Perhaps the most profound lesson that young people can take from Lincoln is the hope that as you make your own choices in life, you choose in such a way that … you can take pride in knowing you have left your community, your university, your family, a little better place for your having walked on this earth,” said Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin to graduating seniors during Senior Class Day on May 7.

“For most of us, the chance to have our story told will not be realized in a marble monument in Washington, but rather in the memories of our friends, our families and our colleagues.”

Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, was honored by Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos with the 2009 Nichols-Chancellor’s Medal at the Memorial Gymnasium ceremony. The medal is given annually to individuals who define the 21st century and exemplify the best qualities of the human spirit.

Senior Day, the day before Commencement, is a chance for graduating seniors to share a bit of their Vanderbilt experience with friends and family before moving on. In addition to Goodwin’s lecture, visitors were invited to four “Study Breaks” to hear Vanderbilt faculty lecture on topics including the future of the funding of American higher education and nanotechnology.

Goodwin’s Senior Day address was moved from Alumni Lawn to the gym in hopes the lawn could be readied to host Commencement on May 8 after heavy rains for the previous few days.

Goodwin regaled listeners with tales of working for President Lyndon Johnson in the last days of his administration and later on his memoirs and her love for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Boston Red Sox. But her reflections on Lincoln had particular resonance for graduates. She said that Lincoln never disparaged rivals, worked harder than everyone else, showed great empathy for people who didn’t agree with him and never retaliated or held grudges.

Goodwin said that one former rival turned ally, Edward Bates, who went on to serve as attorney general in the Lincoln administration, said Lincoln “was as much a perfect man as anyone he’d ever met.”

Goodwin received a standing ovation for her remarks.

Conact: Jim Patterson, (615) 322-NEWS
jim.patterson@vanderbilt.edu