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Most of you came here in August of 2000
and have spent four years filled with growing, learning,
experimenting, and even pulling back.
When you came, you were a diverse group
from 46 states and 18 foreign nations.
And as you leave, you're a more diverse group
in attitudes, directions, and accomplishments.
94 of you took 120 seperate courses with Mike Cavanagh.
37 of you are transfer students.
196 of you studied abroad.
You filed, all together, 5,256 drop/add forms while you were here,
and 104 of you preregistered
on the last day of preregistration for this semester.
[laughing]
Sarah and Daniel are your most common first names.
45 of you majored in English.
Two of you have independent majors in Neuroscience.
Seven of you have concentrations in Global Development Studies.
168 of you completed a Physical Education activity.
But lists and totals don't convey
the importance of your contributions to our life.
You worked hard in SGA, on our athletic teams,
in helping and supporting each other.
And this was an era and a time when support was needed.
Together, we experienced the destruction
of the World Trade Center towers
and with them the lives of over 2,500 people
whose families and friends continue to struggle with loss and sadness.
We saw two warzones open up in Afghanistan and Iraq.
And, closer to home, we also suffered loss.
John Mohan, beloved Professor of Russian,
died suddenly while working hard for the College
as a member of the Executive Council.
We lost three of your friends:
Amy Wilson, Lenko Stefanov, and Jonathan Raxter.
And, finally, this spring we lost my immediate predecessor Pam Ferguson
after a long and valiant struggle.
It is a sign of what Pam was devoted to
that 67 of you had a class with her as she fought this fight.
But in these losses you have endured and learned some peace
and the importance of mutural care and concern.
And today, across two continents and an ocean,
I bring you a message from Lenko's parents and brother.
"Dear Students of the Class of 2004:
We don't know each other. But allow us to congratulate you
on the occasion of your graduating from Grinnell College.
Your messages to us, that you remember Lenko, helps us look forward.
We are sure that everyone on this day of ceremony,
of giving of the diplomas, will remember him,
and that makes us happy.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth.
Feel happy all the time.
Every choice is half luck.
Enjoy your life, and don't be afraid of anything.
The lesson we recieve from fate,
and we can give to you, is short.
Work hard, but don't forget to rest while working.
Rest before you get tired.
Accept the inevitable.
Know that we are capable of trying a lot more than we think."
And now, we the faculty, trustees,
and everyone associated with Grinnell College,
charge you to move forward in this spirit,
to remember that life is filled with peace as well as war,
that life has great and wonderful surprises,
not just sudden and sad losses,
like a day of some sunlight when rain is predicted.
That you can and should be part of securing
for all of humanity goodness and wisdom.
And as you do this, we ask that you remember this beautiful place,
this place of peace and freedom,
and that you come back when you can,
and, when you can't, that you remember what we charge and expect of you
in the years to come.
I now request that everyone else stand for the benediction.