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President Stroble, trustees of Webster University, honored guests, ladies and gentlemen, graduands, colleagues, friends
as Principle of Regent's College in London, it's a great privilege and a personal pleasure to be here today with you to contribute
to this outstanding ceremony.
I've been a great admirer of the American education system ever since my time in the states in the 70's
when I was a fellow and Stamford and Berkeley.
I'm delighted that Regent's College is to partner with Webster, one of the best teaching universities in America
and one which is developing a reputation for its innovative approaches and its applied research.
In any civilized nation, education is both a right and a privilege.
Everybody should have the opportunity to benefit from education that meets their needs, their capabilities, their potentials, and their motivation.
In return, those of us that have benefited from such education
should ensure that we contribute fully to the communities in which we live
to the utmost of our abilities to promote mutual respect, compassion, care, and justice.
St. Louis has always been an important crossroads in America
where the railways and the steamboat traffic met in the Midwest.
It's probably this that has lead to the fertile diversity of culture that is reflected in Webster's student population
and amongst its staff and in its global outlook.
This has always been a central tenant of Webster's core values
and its commitment to the global perspective in its teaching.
At this point in the 21st Century, we're at the socio-economic and geo-political crossroads
where we're going to need the efforts of the very, very best to lead us in our communities,
in our nations, and internationally.
Working together, the United States and Great Britain have always made the greatest contributions
to leading the establishment of real democracies with equal opportunities both at home and abroad.
At Regent's College, we state that a core part of what we do
is developing tomorrow's global leaders. It sounds very simple.
It echoes the mission and values of Webster as well.
But recently we've been debating what we really mean by "global leaders."
Is it simply the well-known names in the media at the top of national politics, commerce, industry, science or the arts?
The answer is no.
We have a vision of leadership which is much more inclusive,
extensive, and, in every way, important.
Our concept is that leaders excel as exemplars in whatever field they've chosen,
in whatever community they live, and on whatever level they achieve.
We believe in a true meritocracy.
We believe that those that make the greatest contributions uphold ethical values,
show an awareness for the environmental sustainability of our planet,
and achieve the highest standards in business, industry, science and the arts
should gain the highest rewards
whether these are measured in material terms,
the respect of their peers,
or the love of their families.
Graduation is neither a beginning nor an end
but it's a transition.
Those of you graduating today should be proud of the achievements that you've made
to dedicated studies during your time at Webster.
You should also be grateful to those who've helped you to reach this point,
your families, professors, mentors, and all the other staff who've supported you
and helped maintain your direction.
Today you embark on the next phase in the development of your lives
whether it's continuing your formal education,
entering employment,
traveling and experiencing new cultures,
or simply contributing to your families.
You will have had mentors to help you to this point
and I urge you to continue to seek out and identify those from whom you can continue to learn.
You can find mentors in every walk of life
and I know that I still benefit immeasurably
from the continuing wisdom that I receive from others of all ages,
backgrounds, and creeds who offer alternative perspectives.
Webster has prepared you well. You now have a responsibility to use your talents
in today's difficult environment by playing a leading role in the ensuring a fine future for all.
We fully expect you to exceed our achievements
and to make a real contribution in this complex world.
[Applause]
Thank you Aldwyn Cooper for your wonderful partnership
and for those inspiring words.
Well good morning graduates and friends and family of graduates, faculty, staff, all who are assembled
but particularly I want to say, "Congratulations Class of 2011.
We have thrown this wonderful party just for you."
Congratulations! [Applause]
On behalf of the entire Webster community of faculty and staff
I welcome you to the 92nd Webster University Commencement Ceremony.
I'm honored to be here to join in your celebration.
Welcome to our graduates, your family and guests.
We share the joy that you feel today.
Welcome to our honorary degree candidates:
Aldwyn Cooper, Chief Executive of Regent's College, London, United Kingdom,
Webster graduate and former member of the board of trustees, Mary-Alice Dwyer-Dobbin,
and the honorable Christopher S. Bond, former senator of the great state of Missouri
now partner at Thompson Coburn LLP.
We're honored to have all of you with us today
and recognize particularly for these three recipients of an honorary doctorate
the unique contributions to community, to country, to world.
Welcome to the members of our Board of Trustees,
and I thank them for their part to make this Webster University possible.
And welcome to the faculty that are with me on stage
and the staff members who are our there serving as host.
They especially share your joy in this day for they were with you all along the way.
Particular applause for faculty and staff. [Applause]
Before we go on, I want to take this moment to pause and remember
the Webster students, faculty, and staff who are not with us because of their deaths this year.
I'll read their names:
Adarsh Bukarji, Neil to his friends,
a Sophomore Business Administration major from our Thailand campus;
Emile Martina, a Sophomore management major from our Leiden campus;
Richard Bell, a Senior Psychology major;
and William Miller, a Senior Management major from our Columbia, South Carolina campus
Jessica Muller, a Junior Business Administration major from our Orlando, Florida campus;
Tyrone Thompson, a Senior Human Resource Management major from our old Post Office campus;
Mason Gaddis, a Freshman Audio Production major;
Andrew Holmes, a Junior Psychology major;
Autumn Hepburn, a Freshman Art Major;
Thomas Carter Flueckiger, a Freshman Lighting Design major;
and Captain Peter Howard Tice, a Graduate Student Information Technology Management major and active duty military killed in action.
I ask you to join me for a moment of silence for these members of our Webster community.
Thank you.
The annual Commencement Ceremony is steeped in academic tradition.
Leading the procession of faculty this morning was Dr. Ralph Oligus, President of the Faculty Senate and Associate Professor in the School of Education.
He carried the mace, a symbol of the authority of a university faculty over its academic programs.
A Webster Commencement tradition is the parade and display of flags
representing the countries from where our students come.
Among the flags lining the front and the back of the stage
are today's American flag and many of the historical versions that have represented the United States since 1776.
The Commencement Robes are symbols of the democracy of scholarship
and the caps we wear represent the freedom of scholarship.
and the responsibility and dignity that it endows the wearer.
Today, Graduates, you will receive the ultimate symbol of the democracy and the freedom of scholarship:
a University degree.
A Webster University degree with its own treasured tradition
and unique understanding of the value of democracy and the freedom of scholarship.
That Webster University degree connects you to all members
of the global class of 2011, all classes that came before you,
and the many that will surely follow.
Let's take a look at some of the characteristics of the Class of 2011.
Worldwide the class totals 7,195 graduates.
Of those, 1,075 are here today and good for you.
[Applause]
Of those 1,075, 170 of you have come from the extended campuses.
And another 107 members of the class that are present today took most, if not all of their classes online and they traveled to join us here today.
They came from 28 states and Canada,
and even an individual from South Africa.
Amazing, isn't it? [Applause]
And 18 of those are active military and two of those are retired military.
Thank you so much! [Applause]
Six directors of U.S. extended site campuses are here with us today
and in the graduating class we have 39 members who are Webster employees
joined by 34 children and spouses of employees.
Yes! [Applause]
All 49 states, the District of Columbia, as well as 118 countries are represented in the graduating class
and 94 of those are stationed with the U.S. Military overseas.
Our oldest graduate is 79... [Applause]
earning an MA in Management and Leadership in Human Resource Development from Fort Bliss.
[Applause]
Our youngest is 20, earning a BA in Education and a BS in Mathematics from the St. Louis campus. Let's hear it for the 20-year-old! [Applause]
Well, consider what those numbers show us!
Webster classrooms, whether they're face-to-face or online,
are infused with the perspectives and experience of students and cultures from around the world.
And those 107 graduates from online programs can certain attest to the diversity of that virtual classroom as well.
Consider the perspectives of a 79-year-old on the world
as compared to the experience of a twenty-year-old.
Consider the impact of interactions with a diverse faculty
50% of whom have taught or studied abroad.
The interchange of students and faculty and staff studying and traveling abroad is an important part of a Webster education.
And so here we are in St. Louis today,
our gathering place on the globe for today's ceremony
which has been historically called the Gateway to the West.
Beyond that, Webster is your gateway to the world
and all connections to all members of a wonderful Webster global community.
So graduates, embrace the responsibility and dignity with which a Webster degree endows you
and live as true ambassadors for the free exchange of ideas and cultures.
I congratulate the Class of 2011. [Applause]
It's now my pleasure to introduce the members of our Board of Trustees
who will in turn introduce the candidates for Honorary Degrees:
Brenda Newberry, Elizabeth Robb, and Mark Burkheart, Chairman of the Board. First, Brenda Newberry. [Applause]
Thank you, Dr. Stroble.
Graduates and guests, it is my honor to introduce Aldwyn Cooper for the Honorary Degree of doctor for humane letters from Webster University.
He has proven to be an excellent advocate and classic connoisseur of higher education,
international diplomacy, and global awareness.
He holds to keep principles embracing the very latest teaching practices and philosophies.
He is a Board member of the Global University Alliance
and Chairman of Enterprise College-Whales,
one of the largest E-Learning Projects being developed in Europe, focusing on professional and international development of its students.
For his work ethic and around-the-clock commitment to student-centered, reality-based education
he demonstrates the perfect combination of personal success, activism for higher education,
and brave stewardship.
Webster University is very proud to confer on you the Doctor of Humane Letters degree,
conferred on this seventh day of May, 2011,
by Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri.
[Applause]
[Applause]
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the state of Missouri,
through the Board of Trustees and upon recommendation of the faculty,
I hereby confer upon Aldwyn Cooper the Doctor of Humane Letters
receiving all the rights and privileges pertaining to this degree and so, Aldwyn Cooper, we now welcome you as an alumnus of Webster University.
[Applause]
Elizabeth Robb.
It is my honor to introduce Mary-Alice Dwyer-Dobbin as the candidate for the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Webster University.
She is a proud graduate of Webster University
who has guided and encouraged our talented Conservatory students as they have made their way into the challenging and competitive careers in the performing arts.
She is a retired 30-year mogul of daytime television programming who oversaw the two longest-running daytime dramas
The Guiding Light and As the World Turns.
[Applause]
She is the recipient of an Ace Award for Best Magazine Show
and a TV Critics Circle Award, and a Good Housekeeping Magazine Award for Children's Programming.
Webster University applauds your many meritorious accomplishments as well as your unswerving loyalty and generous nature
and is proud to confer upon you the Doctor of Humane Letters degree,
conferred on this seventh day of May by Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri.
[Applause]
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the state of Missouri,
through the Board of Trustees, I hereby confer upon Mary-Alice Dwyer-Dobbin the Doctor of Humane Letters honorary degree receiving all the rights and privileges
pertaining to this degree.
Mary-Alice "Mickey" Dwyer-Dobbin, you are now an alumnus of Webster University again. Congratulations! [Applause]
Mark.
I didn't know if he was going to come up here with me.
"We've been chatting. I'm getting some tips."
This man needs no introduction.
However, it is my great honor to introduce the honorable Christopher S. Bond as candidate for the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Webster University.
After serving as Assistant Attorney General and Auditor, he was elected Governor of Missouri, the youngest in Missouri history.
As a U.S. Senator for twenty-four years, he protected and expanded the health benefits and rights of our military servicemen and women and their families.
He is a citizen, a statesman, a legislator, who has worked tirelessly for children's charities and early childhood education.
For your dedication to our state and our nation, its civilians and its men and women in uniform,
for your foresight and how to inspire people beyond U.S. borders,
Webster University is proud to grant you the Doctor of Laws degree
conferred on this seventh day of May, 2011 by Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri.
[Applause]
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the state of Missouri through the Board of Trustees,
I hereby confer upon the Honorable Christopher S. "Kit" Bond the Doctor of Laws honorary degree
receiving all the rights and privileges pertaining to this degree
Christopher S. "Kit" Bond, you are now an alumnus of Webster University.
[Applause]
Congratulations to our Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters awardees:
Dr. Aldwyn Cooper, Dr. Mary-Alice Dwyer-Dobbin, and our Doctor of Laws awardee Dr. Christopher S. "Kit" Bond.
And so now it is my pleasure to welcome back to the lectern
a man whose dedication on behalf of public service for the state of Missouri
and Webster University has been exemplary.
During his 24-year tenure, he's been a vocal and effective proponent of international student engagement and exchange.
And he envisions the opportunities of engagement and exchange
as the way to build a strong world view and a foundation of cultural exchange.
His diplomatic efforts to interact with and inspire the people of southeast Asia were admirable.
He has been a military-friendly senator, dedicated to the needs of servicemen and women.
He supports the themes of internationalism and leadership at Webster.
He truly talks that talk and walks that walk.
And he firmly believes that to fight terrorism, we must fight radical ideologies.
Through education, we can build communities that embrace and celebrate differences in ideology and culture and
inspire economic development.
He's been a good friend to Webster University.
He supports our global mission
He's a staunch supporter of Webster University's out-of-state military installation campuses.
He is a dedicated public servant and leader.
So it is my honor to introduce our commencement speaker today and honorary Doctor of Laws awardee:
the honorable Dr. Christopher S. Bond
[Applause]
Thank you very much, Dr. Stroble and Mark for those kind remarks.
Honored graduates of the class of 2011, proud parents, faculty, students and friends,
it is a real honor for me to be recognized today, on a day when the real honor goes to those of you who have done the hard work
to win the well-deserved degrees which you receive.
I'd say to the administration and faculty you did a good job on bringing your students this far.
Take the rest of the summer off.
To the parents, you are desperately hoping I'm going to say that your job is over.
It's not, but this is a wonderful milestone and you deserve credit for your students getting this far.
[Applause]
To the graduates, congratulations!
You've made it through at least four years of late nights, hard work, energy drinks, caffine to get to this point.
All that stands between you and your diploma now is this speech.
We all recognize that the cardinal rule of commencement speeches is that they should be short.
Few people will remember anything they hear today.
Many will not even remember who spoke.
Sometimes the shortest are the most memorable.
Winston Churchill once gave a very brief speech at his Alma Mater. It was only a few minutes.
It included the "Never give in" quote.
"This is the lesson: Never give in! Never give in! Never, never, never, never! In nothing great or small, large or petty!
Never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense!
Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."
Well, obviously that quote has long outlived the speech
and even many of the other wonderful works that Sir Winston did.
But I just have a few smaller thoughts to share with you on this very important day.
As Dr. Stroble mentioned, this is a period when globalization is the theme of the day.
First, too many countries continue to ignore a growing phenomenon that the world is getting smaller.
Or, to borrow Thomas Freedman's phrase, "The world is flat."
For instance, earlier this year protesters in Egypt communicated to the world through Twitter.
Missouri farmers grow corn and soy beans to feed children in Lebanon and Somalia.
You can go to McDonald's in Iceland or one of their more than 30,000 locations worldwide.
Luckily, you students here at Webster are already ahead of the curve when it comes to this global outlook.
While Missouri is one of the most landlocked states in America, Webster students can and do study abroad at a number of overseas campuses
and you host many international students at those campuses overseas and here in St. Louis.
And we're delighted to welcome those that have come from afar for their diploma.
In fact, one of, I think, my favorite graduates of Webster is the President of Indonesia.
Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, commonly referred to as SBY for obvious reasons, he is an alumnus.
The international perspective is critical in competing and contributing in the global arena where we all live.
While globalization and our growing independence are undeniable, it's also true that some of the religious and cultural differences
dividing the nations of the world cannot be more profound than they are now.
It's particularly troubling for the United States since a growing number of ideologies point to America as the enemy of the world and the root of global suffering.
For example, a recent research poll in Egypt found that 79% of those surveyed have an unfavorable opinion of the United States
and 49% of those polled "Intensely."
There was a 9% increase since the year of 2009.
In the last two years, we have been losing ground.
Unfortunately, it was not until the Twin Towers fell on 9/11 that brought to light the growing anti-American systems and ideologies around the world.
and the need to counter. This terrible tragedy made clear that the United States cannot afford
to retreat into isolationist thinking, that we must gain a better understanding of Muslim countries in the world and how to react with them and work with them.
In the words of British writer Karen Armstrong, "The September 11 apocalypse
was a revelation, an unveiling of a reality that had been there all the time which we had not seen clearly enough before.
We live in one world. What happens in Gaza or Afghanistan today
will have repercussions in New York or London tomorrow."
Well, I happen to think that one of the most effective solutions,
as suggested by Dr. Stroble, is a strategy called Smart Power.
Smart Power must consist of military force when necessary to protect America's security, the security of American lives, and the lives of our allies.
But is also must combine economic development, educational and diplomatic strategies.
Smart Power recognizes that we cannot counter anti-Americanism with just bullets and bombs.
We must compete in the arena of public opinion, and ideology, and growth opportunity.
Smart Power recognizes that before a person can choose his or her politics
they have to have enough to eat and stable, safe community in which to live.
Smart Power recognizes that helping other nations, other societies become more stable makes America safer.
Some important Smart Power examples include the Peace Corp,
and other person-to-person combat,
educational exchanges between and among nations, humanitarian food aide, disaster assistance,
like the help we provided after the earthquake in Haiti and providing now in Japan,
free trade in US economic investments.
On that last point, I've seen that American businesses investing abroad not only create jobs for American workers
in the United States as a result of the increased exports,
it also is one of our most important Smart Power opportunities.
By opening up businesses in developing countries,
American companies are projecting American values, creating jobs in some of our poorest countries, giving the people an opportunity to provide for their families,
enjoy economic opportunities such as we have in the United States, and reject anti-American and extremist ideologies.
One of my favorite Smart Power examples, something on which I've worked for a long time
is the Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, which has long-stood as a basis of hope and peace in the Mid-East.
This hospital, supported by American tax dollars, treats needy pregnant mothers and babies regardless of religion or race.
The great work of this hospital not only saves innocent young lives and gives the unborn a chance at life in a troubled part of the world,
but it also marks an effort to dispel false notions that America is at war with the Muslim world
and sides only with the Israeli people.
This is the type of powerful action supported by American people and by the Catholic Church.
It speaks louder than propaganda and self-promoting victory-all, expounded by our nation's enemies.
My third and final point's a simple one: You have the opportunity now to lead by example.
Your generation can help lead the way for the rest of us
in understanding and appreciating the global world we live in.
As in the Smart Power examples I have noted above show,
there are many ways we can reach out to people throughout the world, even those living in nations with hostile leaders
and show them the positive side of America and Americans.
Whether you run for elected office, or serve as a Peace Corp or other volunteer in a village in Vietnam or in Africa,
or work at a big firm in downtown St. Louis,
you will find and should find boundless opportunities to make contributions to others, to serve and to build understanding.
Understanding our fellow men and women, no matter the color, religion or country of origin,
is the first step to living in peace.
Now it's obvious I've exceeded the great commencement speeches I mentioned earlier but take heart,
this is by no means the longest commencement address that's ever deliver and there's no test afterwards.
So graduates, congratulations, and here's to the future of great opportunity
with fewer problems than you have the skills, and the wherewithal, and the courage to fix.
I thank you and wish you well. [Applause]
[Applause] Thank you, Senator Bond.
Alright, Class of 2011, this is the moment you've been waiting for.
[Cheers]
I will ask Dr. Julian Schuster, our Provost and Senior Vice President to come forward and please present the candidates for degrees.
Thank you, President Stroble. Good morning.
Are you ready? [Yes!]
As I call each school and college, candidates for university degrees should rise and remain standing.
The candidates for Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, Aldwyn Cooper and Mary Alice Dwyer-Dobbin.
And the candidate for Honorary Doctor of Laws: the honorable Christopher S. 'Kit' Bond.
[Applause]
College of Arts and Sciences.
Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Art. [Applause]
George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology.
[Applause]
Doctor of Management, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Arts.
School of Communications [Applause]
Master of Arts, Bachelor of Arts [Applause]
School of Education [Applause]
Educational Specialist, Master of Educational Technology, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Arts
Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts [Applause]
Master of Fine Arts, Master of Music, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music in Education, Bachelor of Arts
President Stroble, on behalf of the faculty
I present to you Webster University's degree candidates for the academic year 2010-2011!
[Applause]
Alright, here are the words that make it official.
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Board of Trustees of Webster University,
and with the recommendation of the University faculty, I hereby confer upon each member of the Class of 2011
the Doctor of Humane Letters, the Doctor of Law, or Bachelors or Masters or Doctors degrees with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities pertaining thereto.
Your names will permanently be entered on the rolls as an alumnus or alumna of Webster University.
You may now move tassels from right to left! [Applause] Congratulations! [Applause]
And you, too, are now members of this exclusive worldwide alumni club of over 147 thousand, adding to it every single year.
And here to extend an official welcome to the Webster University Alumni Association is your classmate and newly documented Doctor of Humane Letters, Mary Alice Dwyer-Dobbin. You may be seated.
[Applause] Thank you, Dr. Stroble.
And congratulations to the Class of 2011! [Applause]
On behalf of Webster Alumni worldwide, I welcome each of you as a member of the Webster University Alumni Association.
The Alumni Association was founded by a small group of Webster graduates
in 1923 to maintain a connection between themselves and our Alma Mater.
Today, we are over 147 thousand alumni strong.
We are an elite group, when you consider that less than one-third of the American population has a college degree.
And the percentage is even smaller when you consider the statistics on a global scale.
But with this accomplishment comes responsibility.
We come together as alumni in support of higher education, of Webster University,
of our faculty, staff, and students, and of each other.
I encourage you to maintain your connection to the University.
The world can be a transient place.
Webster University will always be there to welcome you when you return.
I also encourage you to reach out to your fellow alumni.
Introduce yourself, tell us about your Webster experience, ask about our experiences. We have much to learn from each other.
The strength of Webster University depends, in large part, on us.
We, as alumni, are the sum of student experiences, faculty knowledge, and alumni success.
Go forth into the world and remember our Alma Mater. [Applause]
Thank you, Mary Alice, for making the official connection to this extraordinary worldwide community.
To the Class of 2011, look around this theater at all the people who supported you along the way.
Your family, your spouses, your children, your friends, your co-workers, scholarship donors,
fellow students, who stood by you and make sacrifices so that you could realize your dream.
Will all the members of the Class of 2011 support system,
all of us who helped you out,
please stand so that the graduates and we can thank you! [Applause]
And I wish to thank again the distinguished and dedicated faculty who created engaging learning environments for Webster students' success
and I ask the faculty now to stand and be recognized. [Applause]
And I take particular joy in thanking the staff members that you also met along the way
and many of them are here today to usher, to guide, to support this wonderful ceremony.
Will all of us--? Yes! [Applause]
They're dispersed, so having them stand doesn't quite work but we certainly do recognize what they've done throughout your years and today.
We all played small but significant roles in your life here at Webster
and we really do consider you fellow citizens of the globe for life.
When you need us, reach out.
And when we need you, we'll reach out.
We need to be here for each other.
Together, we will nurture our connection to one another and the world as we transform ourselves to be individually excellent and to be good citizens of the globe.
So, finally, take a minute and look around.
Savor the moment, this gorgeous sunshine, and the warmth and the joy that you're feeling.
Who's sitting next to you? Will you remember that in the future?
Who's behind you? Who's in front of you?
Embrace the feeling of accomplishment and relief and pride.
This truly is your moment, and we ask you not to forget it and not to lose the connection with each other and with us.
To our special guest, Dr. Aldwyn Cooper, Dr. Mary Alice Dwyer-Dobbin, and Dr. Christopher S. 'Kit' Bond
all three of you, remain esteemed members of this community
and, now members of this class of 2011, you embody the spirit of Webster
and serve as shining examples of an ethos of individual accomplishment and service to others.
Graduates, we are soon going to remove these symbols of freedom and democracy of scholarship,
all the trappings of this ceremony.
Keep in your heat and your spirit the dignity and the responsibility you must now carry forward.
Define what needs to be changed in this world
and go about changing it.
To everyone, I thank you for attending the 92nd Commencement Ceremony of Webster University!
[Applause]
[Bagpipes]