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The Path AheadChancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos urges graduates to seek balance and be courageous on the uncertain journey ahead
6/1/2009
8:10 am
 Vanderbilt awarded 3,380 degrees during Commencement exercises on May 8. by Jim Patterson photography by Jenny Mandeville and John Russell With the threat of a powerful storm roaring toward Nashville, seniors and their guests crowded into Memorial Gym – the designated rain location – to take part in Vanderbilt’s Commencement exercises, officially marking the Class of 2009’s passage from students to alumni. At almost the last possible moment, the storm shifted to the north, and by midmorning the sun was beaming, allowing students, parents, friends and faculty to relax and enjoy the rest of the day’s festivities. In his farewell address to graduates, Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos noted that the day’s unpredictable weather mirrored the world graduates were stepping into – uncertain economic times, the country at war and an abrupt shift in national policies with the change in presidential administrations from Bush to Obama.  “We do no justice by understating the challenges these fine young people will face as they leave us, and this special, sacred ground,” Zeppos said. “Our world and our nation face historic financial and political problems, with choices of enormous and perhaps unknown consequence ahead. Yet throughout our 135 years, each class has commenced its journey at points that it could not define. “Some left in times of turmoil, war or recession; others in times of great prosperity and peace. Those who left in turmoil, over time, felt the warm glow of peace and prosperity, while those who left with the boost of prosperity managed and led through hardship and uncertainty,” he said. “As I – as we – look out on your faces, part of us wants you to be here longer, in our warm and caring embrace. You are our students, my students. “We have taught you, and you have taught us, discovered with us, and cured and cared with us. But we also know that it is your time to lead, to shape this world and our nation’s future. While we cannot but wish for better times ahead, we can also be steadfast in the knowledge that you, our Vanderbilt graduates, will serve and lead in timeless, innovative and virtuous ways. We know our nation’s – and our world’s – future are far brighter because of what we do here today.”  Zeppos advised graduates that balance is the key to success over the long haul, despite the occasional need to take a courageous stand. “When the brave soldier seeks to rescue a wounded comrade in the face of extreme fire, we appropriately celebrate and honor that courage,” he said. “But one cannot lead a life of extremes, out of balance. Work, friends, family, the material and the spiritual must each play a role. “If Vanderbilt has taught you anything, I hope it is this sense of balance.” As example, Zeppos noted that Vanderbilt has been highly ranked, academically and athletically. “In your time here, we have seen two who have studied at Vanderbilt win Nobel prizes, and we also won a bowl game, four SEC championships and an NCAA championship,” he said. “It is this balance that we cherish and must forever nurture, for it defines our university’s mission and it carves our path.”  Vanderbilt awarded 3,380 degrees this year – 1,568 to undergraduates and 1,812 graduate or professional degrees. About 2,630 graduates attended Commencement. Retiring professors moving to emeriti status were recognized, as were the top students in each school, who were awarded Founder’s Medals. Each of Vanderbilt’s 10 schools held its own Commencement ceremony after all the graduates gathered to hear from Zeppos. The ceremonies capped three days of celebration for graduating seniors, their families and friends and included The Party featuring the Al McKay Allstars performing the music of Earth, Wind & Fire, and Senior Day, which featured an address by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. Posted 06/01/09 |
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