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Williams Celebrates 219th Commencement
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass., June 1, 2008 -- Williams College President Morton Owen Schapiro conferred bachelor's degrees on 510 seniors at the college's 219th Commencement today. Eleven students in the Program in the History of Art and 24 fellows from the Center for Development Economics received master's degrees.
In his Commencement Address, world-renowned sculptor Richard Serra noted, "It means a great deal to me to receive an honorary doctorate from Williams College, because so many graduates from this institution have directly contributed to and supported my artistic life. ... [Museum directors] Glenn Lowry, Kirk Varnedoe, Michael Govan, Tom Krens, Rusty Powell and James Woods. When I think about it, it's remarkable that this institution has had such an impact on the culture of this country."
He told graduates, "You are going to have to rely on yourself to manage the world, to make the world intelligible and in so doing not allow yourself to be victimized. Identity need not be found in rejection. There are going to be disappointments and defeats along the way. You will make mistakes but don't blame others for your errors, don't deceive yourself. ... Admitting a mistake is usually a relief, if not a benefit."
"As a sculptor," he said, "I believe that perception structures thought and that to see is to think and conversely to think is to see. The virtual reality of the media, be it television or Internet limits our perception in that it affects our sense of space. It immobilizes our ability to apprehend actual physical space. Don't let the rhetoric of simulation steal away the immediacy of your experience. Keep it real, keep it in the moment."
Three graduating seniors also spoke. Zachary Thomas, a physics and economics major from Pelham, N.Y. delivered the Valedictory Address, "The Liberal Arts after Williams." Erika Williams, a biology major from Fairport, N.Y., the Phi Beta Kappa speaker, gave a talk titled "Get a Machete." Gordon Phillips, an economics and mathematics major from McLean, Va., chosen by his classmates as Class Speaker, addressed "Good Morning."
In addition to Serra, President Schapiro conferred honorary degrees to financial director and advisor Robert Lipp, British economist Frances Cairncross, women's health advocate Dr. Nawal Nour, and former Secretary of State George Shultz.
Kai Lee, Rosenburg Professor of Environmental Studies, was granted emeritus status.
END
Founded in 1793, Williams College is the second oldest institution of higher learning in Massachusetts. The college's 2,000 students are taught by a faculty noted for the quality of their teaching and research, and the achievement of academic goals includes active participation of students with faculty in their research. Students' educational experience is enriched by the residential campus environment in Williamstown, Mass., which provides a host of opportunities for interaction with one another and with faculty beyond the classroom. Admission decisions are made regardless of a student's financial ability, and the college provides grants and other assistance to meet the demonstrated needs of all who are admitted.
To visit the college on the Internet www.williams.edu
In his Commencement Address, world-renowned sculptor Richard Serra noted, "It means a great deal to me to receive an honorary doctorate from Williams College, because so many graduates from this institution have directly contributed to and supported my artistic life. ... [Museum directors] Glenn Lowry, Kirk Varnedoe, Michael Govan, Tom Krens, Rusty Powell and James Woods. When I think about it, it's remarkable that this institution has had such an impact on the culture of this country."
He told graduates, "You are going to have to rely on yourself to manage the world, to make the world intelligible and in so doing not allow yourself to be victimized. Identity need not be found in rejection. There are going to be disappointments and defeats along the way. You will make mistakes but don't blame others for your errors, don't deceive yourself. ... Admitting a mistake is usually a relief, if not a benefit."
"As a sculptor," he said, "I believe that perception structures thought and that to see is to think and conversely to think is to see. The virtual reality of the media, be it television or Internet limits our perception in that it affects our sense of space. It immobilizes our ability to apprehend actual physical space. Don't let the rhetoric of simulation steal away the immediacy of your experience. Keep it real, keep it in the moment."
Three graduating seniors also spoke. Zachary Thomas, a physics and economics major from Pelham, N.Y. delivered the Valedictory Address, "The Liberal Arts after Williams." Erika Williams, a biology major from Fairport, N.Y., the Phi Beta Kappa speaker, gave a talk titled "Get a Machete." Gordon Phillips, an economics and mathematics major from McLean, Va., chosen by his classmates as Class Speaker, addressed "Good Morning."
In addition to Serra, President Schapiro conferred honorary degrees to financial director and advisor Robert Lipp, British economist Frances Cairncross, women's health advocate Dr. Nawal Nour, and former Secretary of State George Shultz.
Kai Lee, Rosenburg Professor of Environmental Studies, was granted emeritus status.
END
Founded in 1793, Williams College is the second oldest institution of higher learning in Massachusetts. The college's 2,000 students are taught by a faculty noted for the quality of their teaching and research, and the achievement of academic goals includes active participation of students with faculty in their research. Students' educational experience is enriched by the residential campus environment in Williamstown, Mass., which provides a host of opportunities for interaction with one another and with faculty beyond the classroom. Admission decisions are made regardless of a student's financial ability, and the college provides grants and other assistance to meet the demonstrated needs of all who are admitted.
To visit the college on the Internet www.williams.edu
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