Graduates, this is such an exciting day for you and for us. Today marks an important transition in your lives. Our ceremony is called “Commencement” because you are about to begin a new chapter of increased independence, and of new personal and professional pursuits. Of course, it is also a great day to reflect on the past and to conjure memories of days gone by.
Your relatives and friends, sitting in those stands, have been recalling memories of when you were born and the little child you were. They keep wondering 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 may have been reminiscing a bit yourselves. Remembering your first days as a Poet when you might not have even imagined sitting here in your cap and gown. At that time, could you even have anticipated the classes you’d take, the professors and administrators who would guide you, or the people you would meet whom you know now will be life-long friends?
Just watching you receive your diploma evoked fond reflections among those of us on this platform too. We 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, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico. We observed your pride in becoming a member of your Society, and felt pride ourselves as you won competitions and garnered honors. We saw you change as you developed skills in dig liberal arts, social media, and journalism. We remember you teaching our Broadoaks youth and mentoring your own peers. We recall times you ably lead clubs and organizations, tended the SURF garden, and performed on stage, and as you graced our community with your musical and artistic talents. We cheered as you took on internships, participated in community service, and won fellowships that honed your skills and focused your future path. And we cheered again as you took on tasks with trepidation and then emerged with the confidence that comes with experience.
I personally remember all of you who joined me for a Walk and Talk at 7:30 in the morning. And I also recall each and every one of you who said you would do so, but instead slept in.
As we speak about memories and as you prepare to leave this campus, I ask you to remember this: you have completed an education that is unparalleled. Here you have learned much of consequence, and broadened the way you think. You have truly earned your degree. Now you are prepared for a lifetime of seeking opportunity and grabbing it as it comes your way.
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.
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 students who want to sit quietly in the back of the room. With all that you have achieved here, and with all that you have done to help make Whittier College stand out, you have certainly shown this to be the case.
So, as you leave this place, as your president, I charge you to remember the values you have assimilated at this venerable college. I charge you to use 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.
Congratulations once again, Poets of the Class of 2017.
-Whittier College President Sharon Herzberger
