Judith
Shapiro
May 16, 2000
Congratulations
Barnard Class of 2000. You did it - and you did
it splendidly! We are immensely proud of you, as,
I know, you are of yourselves.
I
would like to take this moment to recognize another
extraordinary group of people - your parents, families
and friends - who have supported, guided, and encouraged
you all along the way. May I ask all of the parents,
grandparents, and other kin - as well as kith -
of our graduating seniors to rise so that we can
thank you for your contributions to this special
day.
As
we well know, the excellence of a Barnard education
reflects the teaching effectiveness, scholarship
and dedication of our fine faculty. Will the members
of the faculty please rise so that your students
can thank you as enthusiastically as they wish.
And,
the overall quality of the Barnard experience is
a reflection of all of the work of a first-rate
staff. From the Dean of Studies Office to Career
Development, Res Life, College Activities, Health
Services, the grounds crew who prepare the campus
each year for this very day, and everyone else -
all play a central role in making this the College
that it is. Will members of the Barnard staff now
rise to receive the thanks of our graduating seniors.
This final section of the program is called the
President's Response to the Degree Candidates. It
is my last official opportunity to address you as
Barnard students. Very soon - in fact, tomorrow
when you receive your diplomas - you will be transformed
into your new status as Barnard alumnae. So, this
is our time to be together before you set off for
all parts of the city, the country, the world, maybe
even outer space if Kathie Olsen has anything to
do with it.
It
is never easy to say good-bye to a graduating class,
and I am able to do so only because I expect you
to pay Barnard regular visits - both actual and
virtual, via the College's ever-evolving website.
As Senior Class President Melissa Marrus reminded
us, "There's no Place like Barnard"; so, just put
on those ruby slippers, and click your heels - or
mouse. And you'll be home.
You
have been a great credit to this College, rising
to Barnard's many academic challenges. I have admired
your hard work and professionalism on college committees
(major planning committees and search committees),
SGA , CORRIE and other campus organizations. I have
enjoyed spending time with you on many occasions,
including senior dinners. I have gotten to experience
your strong opinions - and your tenacity in expressing
every single one of them to me.
You
have flourished intellectually and personally at
a College that has high expectations and, whether
you are embarking on graduate school or a new job
(or a little short-term uncertainty about your next
step), you can trust in the fact that you are ready
for anything.
In
her speech, Fiza Quiraishi spoke of the ways that
Barnard prepares women to make a difference in the
world. You have met enough Barnard alumnae to get
a sense of that, and you yourselves are already
on your way. Aside from the leadership you have
provided within the College community itself, you
have already moved into the world beyond it - from
your activities in the immediate Morningside Heights
neighborhood to projects, services, and organizations
throughout the City, and, in some cases, abroad.
You have realized that the advantages you have enjoyed
here give you a special responsibility toward the
society in which you live.
As
students, you have shown impressive levels of civic
engagement in issues ranging from assisting the
homeless, to socially responsible investing, to
protecting the environment. Surveys show that almost
half of 18 to 24 year olds volunteer in all sorts
of organizations and that the number is growing.
But
that is not enough. Real change comes about only
when individual actions and initiatives are tied
to a larger plan and purpose. Through your Barnard
education, you have developed a sense of the bigger
picture, which forms a context for your civic activism.
You have engaged in the sort of research and study
that allows you to search beneath the surface of
an issue and understand the social and historical
forces that have shaped it. You are prepared to
question prevailing assumptions - social, political,
economic, and scientific assumptions. You know what
it means to take a principled approach to answering
the questions you have posed.
You are ready to cross the bridge from serious moral
commitment to effective political participation.
You will be among those writing our laws, formulating
our public policies, transforming our institutions,
educating us and nurturing our spirits through your
creative achievements. You will be shaping your
world - and mine. And I have great faith in what
you have in store for me.
On
behalf of the trustees, faculty and administration
of Barnard College, I congratulate you - the Class
of 2000 - and wish you success, fulfillment, and
much happiness.
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