President Sharon Herzberger
113th Commencement Address
May 13, 2016
Graduates, as exciting as this day is for you, today is really a grand time for memories of other days.
Your relatives and friends, sitting up in those stands, have been calling up memories of when you were born and the child you were. They keep wondering when and how it could be that you have become the adult you now are. They are asking themselves: where did time go?
Over these last weeks, you probably did some remembering of your own – thinking about your first days as a Poet, when you could not envision sitting here today. Nor could you predict the experiences you have had along the way.
Those of us on this stage have memories too. Just watching you walk across to receive your diploma evoked these memories. The faculty are remembering with some pride the confidence and knowledge you displayed in your senior projects. We watched as you discovered the wonders of South Africa, China, England, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. We saw you induct members into your Society, win competitions and awards in athletics, and garner academic All-American honors. We watched as you developed skills in digital humanities, social media, journalism, and film. We remember you teaching our Broadoaks students and mentoring your own peers. We recall times seeing you ably lead clubs and organizations, tend to the SURF garden, and perform on stage. And you have often graced our community with your musical and artistic talents.
I personally remember each and every one of you who joined me for Walk and Talks at 7:30 in the morning, and each and every one of you who said you would do so, but slept in.
You have completed an education that is unparalleled. You have earned your degree. You have learned much of consequence, and broadened the way you think; and now you are prepared for a lifetime of seeking opportunity and grabbing it as it comes your way.
I like to warn visiting high schoolers and their families that Whittier is not the place for those who relish anonymity or passivity. It is not the college for those who want to sit quietly in the back of the room. There is a reason why Whittier produces a disproportionate number of alumni with titles like those described earlier by Trustee Alan Lund. Never doubt that one day a leader of our Board will be inspiring a graduation class by talking about you.
Tennessee Williams wrote: “Life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quickly you hardly catch it going.”
In just a few short moments even this ceremony will be a memory.
So, as you leave this place, I charge you to remember the values you have assimilated at this venerable college. I charge you to use fully all of the talents and wisdom you collected here. And I charge you to remember that just as we have been privileged to know you, you were privileged to attend Whittier College. Never forget those who started you on your way.
Congratulations once again, graduates of the Class of 2016.
