Delaware State News: Wesley College Marks Spring Commencement

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Wesley College Marks Spring Commencement

Dignitaries offer words of encouragement for grads

Source: Delaware State News

By Katie Kazimir

Under sunny skies, Wesley College said farewell to its graduating class of 2009 Saturday, the 136th group to mark spring commencement at the Dover school. "Our graduates' long journey is coming to an end," said Dr. Mark Pruett-Barnett, college chaplain. "We ask this to be a joyful moment they will always remember as they share it with their classmates, family and friends," he said.

After a week of rain, Sen. Thomas R. Carper, D-Del., greeted the graduates and the crowd, commenting on the beautiful weather.

"You couldn't have asked for a better day. If you had graduated any of these past seven days, you would have needed an umbrella," the senator joked. Sen. Carper said some of the students would be graduating summa cum laude, magna cum laude or cum laude. "And some of you are graduating by the grace of the good ‘laude,'" Sen. Carper said. "Whether you are graduating in the top half of your class, or enabled others to graduate in the top of the class, congratulations to you." The senator said the graduating class of 2009 has a lot to look forward to. "You'll have the opportunity to provide leadership in businesses, schools, government," he said. Sen. Carper then shared the top five qualities he has found in the best leaders. "Don't look for the easy thing to do, look for the right thing," he said. Next, he said, is the importance of living by the golden rule. Focusing on excellence is another quality leaders possess, the senator said. "Don't give up," is another adage the senator said all leaders follow. The final quality of a good leader is that they surround themselves with people better than themselves. "Go forth, good luck, serve us all, congratulations," Sen. Carper said to the graduates.

The graduation address this year was given by Sen. Edward E. "Ted" KAUFMAN, D-Del. "I'm really pleased to be here, celebrating your achievements," said Sen. KAUFMAN. Sen. KAUFMAN said like the class of 2009, he too graduated from college during an economic recession. "I had a hard time trying to find a job — trying to find a good job," he said. Sen. KAUFMAN said job losses are likely to continue through the end of the year and into the next, but there is a silver lining for today's graduates. "I know in my case, those early years always left me a bit more grateful," he said.

The senator said his hard early years made him a more empathetic person. He said an economic recession also offers the opportunity for new ideas to be heard. "It's precisely in the midst of a difficult economy that businesses are willing to listen to new voices and try new things," he said. Sen. KAUFMAN reassured the graduates that while today may be tough, tomorrow offers brighter days. "This economic cycle will surely turn, and you will be the beneficiaries," he said.

Remarks from the senior class came from Student Government Association President Shannon Reed of Ellendale. "While we walk forward to receive our diplomas, remember the life-changing experience we had at Wesley," Mr. Reed said to his peers. "We all sit here together as one — the Wesley College graduating class of 2009." Mr. Reed said the class of 2009 reached at least one common goal, earning an undergraduate degree. "As graduates of Wesley College, we have earned a reputable education and the background to stand as individuals," he said. "We are our own beacons of hope."

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