Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, May 10, 1993 TAG: 9305100121
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"It is up to you to define the life, the aims, the hopes of the country," said Wolfe, author of "Bonfire of the Vanities" and "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test."
Wolfe said the entire world is looking toward the United States for guidance, and Richmond graduates could help steer the nation.
"You are the best-educated of the rising generation of Americans," he said. "Through you own eyes, your own experiences, you will light up the sky forever. You will earn the gratitude of all mankind."
Across the state, students also graduated Sunday from the Hampden-Sydney College, Hampton University, Christopher Newport University, Bridgewater College, St. Paul's College and Southern Virginia College for Women.
Valedictorian Tanja Schiffer challenged graduates of traditionally all-male Hampden-Sydney College to learn how to appreciate diversity.
Schiffer, the only woman enrolled at Hampden-Sydney this year, was told a few days ago that her 3.99 grade point average was higher than those of her male peers and had earned her the position of class valedictorian.
"My final challenge to you is to look beyond the issue of whether Hampden-Sydney should go coed and instead address the more pressing issue of how to use Hampden-Sydney to prepare yourself for a world of changing demographics and increasing complexity," said Schiffer, 22.
"We all need to learn how to tolerate and to appreciate diversity if we wish to succeed as citizens in this world," she said.
Hampden-Sydney's commencement speaker, former Army Secretary John O. Marsh, told the 200 graduates they should consider continuing their education.
"As today's graduates begin their new careers, or later change to new endeavors, they may find gaps in their formal education when measured against career assignments and promotion prospects," said Marsh, a former four-term Virginia congressman.
"The gap may be in languages - where Americans are sadly lacking and handicapped competitively - or in science, geography, economics or other subjects. Can Hampden-Sydney and other colleges help meet the needs of this new body of prospective nonresident students?"
Nearly 1,000 Hampton University graduates were told to take risks.
"Reach behind you, reach down, lift someone up and take them with you," said Hazel O'Leary, secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy. "Believe that you do and can accomplish every day of your life.
"If you're not prepared to take risks, then you're not really alive. Think of yourself as a sponge and always be thirsty for knowledge. Always be prepared to take risks."
In Newport News, Rep. Robert Scott, D-Newport News, told nearly 600 graduates of Christopher Newport that one person can make a difference.
Scott reminded students that just a few people started a small community college with 171 students in 1961. That school - Christopher Newport - now has 5,000 students and has been named one of the best American colleges by U.S. News & World Report magazine.
"You each have the responsibility and the obligation to become actively involved in correcting the problems of our society," Scott said. "Each and every one of you can and must make a difference."
John Casteen, University of Virginia president, asked 202 graduates of Bridgewater College to help build the world that his generation wanted to build.
"I wish I could say to you that 1993 is the best of all years, that my generation and the one before are ready to deliver into your hands a world so soundly conceived, so wisely managed . . . that your time responsibility, your watch, will be an easy one," Casteen said. "And yet I cannot."
He cited human rights abuses, global economic competition and environmental concerns as areas requiring the attention of the graduates.
"Listen to the voice that speaks of obligations . . . and accept these obligations," Casteen said.
In other graduation ceremonies, St. Paul's College in Lawrenceville awarded diplomas to 108 students, and Southern Virginia College for Women in Buena Vista gave diplomas to 59 students.
by CNB