Mayor Garcetti Challenges the Class of 2015 to Cross Borders and Take Down Boundaries

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May 15, 2015

commencement 2015The rain and soggy weather did not dampen the festive atmosphere of Whittier College’s 112th Commencement ceremony held indoors at the Graham Athletic Center for the first time in the history of the College. More than 400 members of the class of 2015 received their undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as an insightful message from their Commencement Speaker, Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti, who encouraged them to forget the rain, forget the stress, and breathe in this moment.

“I try to speak from the heart because this is an incredible moment right now,” said Garcetti. “It is a joyous occasion for you and for me to be here addressing you.”

The 42nd Mayor of Los Angeles known for his "back to basics" agenda is the youngest mayor of the city of angels in more than 100 years, a jazz pianist, and a lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserve.

commencement 2015“You have all crossed borders to be here today,” said Garcetti. “Whether they are physical or temporal, you’re about to cross a new border today and you should embrace the sense of unease and excitement that comes with it.”

“We’re at a time of great divide,” said Garcetti. “I charge you with the responsibility of creating borders instead of boundaries between each other. Your success will be determined on how successfully you can navigate borders throughout your life.”

Before delivering his keynote address, Garcetti became an honorary Poet, as he was conferred with a doctorate of humane letters (L.H.D.) by Professor Nat Zappia.

Whittier native and transfer student Jaimis Ulrich, an anthropology major and religious studies minor, delivered a powerful student address.

commencement 2015“Something happened at Whittier that I wasn’t expecting, said Ulrich. “I turned into a “we”. My investment into my classes was something contingent and shared. Our Whittier education has taught us to make connections among one another and those that go across borders. That makes our education priceless.”

Ulrich ended her address with a reminder for her fellow classmates.“The pen is mightier than the sword,” said Ulrich. “Onward guys!”

In her Charge to the Class of 2015, President Sharon Herzberger praised the graduates sitting before her and challenged them to make the most of their Whittier education.

“The Quakers teach us to “let our lives speak” and, students, we have worked hard to pass along that lesson to you,” said Herzberger. “From what I can see, we have succeeded and so will you.”

commencement“As you leave this place, I charge you to remember the values you have assimilated at this venerable college, added Herzberger. “You were privileged to attend Whittier, and we certainly have been privileged to know you.”

“Poets: rise, walk, and cross that border,” said Garcetti in his final words to the Whittier College class of 2015. “The world awaits you.”

President Herzberger's Charge to the Class of 2015

Ceremony Video (Click on the "On Demand" tab)

Commencement Photo Gallery

Mayor Eric Garcetti's Commencement Address

News Coverage: Whittier Daily News, Los Angeles Daily News