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Commencement 2010 CEREMONIES
SUMMER 2010 l 12
“Go for it.” -U.S. Senator Charles Schumer
These words of wisdom were offeredbyaccomplishedindividuals selected to speak this year to the graduating class of 2010. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer
“You see the vision for your life, and you want to construct a course of action. You have designed a blueprint – a road map in construction terms. . . You are the authors of your life – the architects. You have the tools and power to reach your place and purpose. You aren’t there yet; you’re still on your journey. Break new ground in your chosen fields. Take the education that you’ve earned here to blaze new trails. You were born for this time, for this day. Professionally, personally and spiritually, continue the path of actualization. You are a powerful force in the universe. Your voice is waiting to be heard. Today, we pass the baton to you. Welcome to your incredible life.” Sundra Ryce ’02 MSED
“Tonight is one of the most significant days of your lives. I remember that moment - crossing the stage a few years ago. It was a very intense moment. A moment that many years prior to that some folks said never would happen. Good old-fashioned American-hard work made the difference for me. This country is like no country in the world. You can start off with nothing and become president of a college, or the president of the United States. Yes, you’ll experience challenges, but every challenge represents an opportunity. . . Don’t look at where we are today. Look at where we will be in the future. College represents the exchange of intellectual ideas. It’s up to you to determine how far you want to go with those ideas.” NYS Senator Antoine Thompson
“We are all meant to succeed. Maybe we doubt whether the future we imagine will ever really happen. Maybe we question whether we have what it takes to really shine. But, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind. Our dreams are our destiny and sooner than we know we will be living them. I hope your dreams take you to the corner of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities and to the most extraordinary places your heart has ever known!” Shanena Brundage ’10 PSY
Kathryn Benfanti ’10 MHC
“Sir Isaac Newton once said, “We build too many walls, and not enough bridges.” Today, we are here to celebrate the building of bridges. We celebrate the students from each side of the bridge. Our differences are as much as a cause for celebration as our similarities. In mental health counseling, we learn how to understand ourselves in order to understand others. We bring these connections home in our mind, spirit and heart. We know it’s only a beginning – a step along our path. We must not squander this opportunity.”
“College represents the exchange of intellectual ideas. It’s up to you to determine how far you want to go with those ideas.”