2008 Woodie Awards
Vote Absentee
Graduates urged to continue community service
Beth Lenehan '08
Issue date: 5/20/07 Section: News
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Commencement Ceremony
While Reverend Brian J. Shanley, O.P., president of the College, congratulated those receiving degrees, he also urged them to thank the family and friends who supported them throughout their college careers.
"Without their support, you would not be here today," said Father Shanley, who had the graduates stand to applaud their family members.
Father Shanley said it is normal for students not to know what they are going to do with their lives. He added that he did not know he would one day be president of Providence College and to remember that "what comes next [is] not what is final."
Father Shanley also said he hoped the graduates would be inspired by something they would hear in the speeches given and asked the graduates to remember two things.
"Trust that the future lies in the loving hands of God's Providence, and that you are well-educated and are ready for the real world," Father Shanley said.
Echoing his sentiments was Elizabeth Roberts, lieutenant governor of the state of RI. She commended the students for their accomplishments and recalled her own graduation as a "bittersweet day," but students were prepared for the next challenge. Lt. Gov. Roberts urged graduates to "listen to your internal voices."
"Your internal compass directs you to follow your passions," said Lt. Gov. Roberts, adding that students' internal voices have "grown and developed" over the past four years.
According to Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline and class president Daniel Cullinane '07, the Class of 2007 was dedicated to community service. Mayor Cicilline said that during the 2006-2007 academic year, approximately 2,000 students gave 45,000 hours to community service at 85 different sites. He credited Father Shanley with the students' involvement in city life, stating that Providence is now a "better city" and Providence College a "better institution."
"Your education has just begun," said Mayor Cicilline. He added that the graduates now hold a degree that comes with responsibility and to use that degree to help bring more justice into the world.
Cullinane cited that students from a variety of academic concentrations were dedicated to community service, emphasizing that service is not for one specific group, but for all.
"Each of us is called to live a life of service," said Cullinane.
He stated that regardless of other pursuits, everyone has the ability to do service and for the Class of 2007, commencement is a "call to action." He urged students to begin their service today with something as simple as holding a door or offering a smile.
Along with a being challenged to continue giving back to the community, the Class of 2007 was also welcomed as alumni. Providence College Alumni Association President Kathleen A. Ryan '87 informed students that, though they are leaving PC, their connection with the school does not end.
"Your ties to Providence College do not end, they become stronger," said Ryan. She further stated that they are entering a network of approximately 46,000 alumni who have collectively contributed their talents to various fields and said she is confident the members of the Class of 2007 will follow the tradition.
Dave Gavitt receives College's highest honor
At the Commencement ceremony, former Friars basketball coach, former Big East commissioner, and a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, Dave Gavitt '89H was honored with the Veritas Medal, Providence College's highest honor. After receiving the award, Gavitt addressed the graduates, promising to keep his speech short.
"Blessed are the brief, for they shall be invited back," Gavitt joked.
Gavitt said he first came to the College 45 years ago as an assistant basketball coach and tennis coach and did not know then the integral part Providence College would play in his life. He stated that any contributions he has made to the College have been outweighed by those of the Dominicans.
While he offered his "warmest and heartiest congratulations" to the graduates, he also urged them to thank their families and friends, along with the faculty and staff of Providence College who are "always looking, always willing" to help the students.
After reading Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken," Gavitt reminded the graduates they are looking at a number of different paths that his generation and others would never have imagined possible. The graduates have "the roots, the education" and with these gifts, the global economy "will be great."
He told students to remember the three F's-friendship, family, and faith. He urged students to maintain their friendships and donate to the College, as a reminder of the friendships they made. He reminded them of the sacrifices their families made to send them to Providence College, but to also be involved in their communities, as communities become families.
Gavitt also pointed to the diversity of faiths on the campus, such as Roman Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, and Muslims. He stated that all of these religions teach the importance of respecting and loving mankind. Gavitt urged students to do something every day for someone else to strengthen themselves. By doing this, Gavitt said when problems arise in their own lives, they will have their faith.
He concluded with the story of an atheist named Eddie who enjoyed telling everyone he believed there was no afterlife. When Eddie died, his friends Paddy and Mike approached the coffin and Paddy looked at Mike and said that Eddie was "all dressed up and [had] no place to go."
"Well, you all are dressed up and have places to go," said Gavitt.
Father Shanley offered his own wish for the graduates.
"My hope and prayer for each of you is to live an extraordinary life of service," said Father Shanley.
Father Shanley also reminded students that "with great power comes great responsibility."
Father Shanley told the graduates he is confident they will make contributions to the world and wanted them to know they will always be a part of the Providence College family.
Four people received honorary degrees from the College.
Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree: Sister Dolores Crowley, RSM
Honorary Doctor of Humanitarian degree: Arn Chorn-Pond
Honorary Doctor of Education degree: Brother Lawrence Goyette, FSC
Honorary Doctor of Laws degree: Gordon Wood, Ph.D.