Adams State graduates one of largest classes ever (05-09-06)
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One of Adams State's largest graduating classes was congratulated May 6 by speaker Peggy Lamm, who told the overflow crowd, "If we're lucky, for a few times in our life we get to live very passionately. I urge you to use your passions and put your stamp on the world."
"Or, as Ben Franklin put it more elegantly: 'If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth the reading, or do things worth the writing,'" continued Lamm, who is a member and former chair of the Board of Trustees for Adams State. "On the other hand, your life may fall in line with the country and western song that says: 'Sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug.'"
The exuberant crowd was greeted by Interim President, Dr. David Svaldi, who said, "I'm of an age where I no longer look forward to my birthday. This is now my favorite day. Thanks to our students, their families, and Adams State faculty and staff for this culmination of a great year."
The college awarded 429 degrees this spring, including 260 bachelor's degrees, 170 master's degrees, and 11 associate's degrees. Many master's degree recipients traveled from the Durango, Pueblo, La Junta, and Summit County areas, where they completed Adams State graduate programs offered in their communities.
The Class of 2006 was represented by Corrine Padilla, who received her bachelor's in history government and served this year as president of the AS&F Senate (Associated Students and Faculty.)
Svaldi noted, "Corrine and the student senate this year are among the best students I've worked with in my twenty years here."
"It is my final honor and duty to deliver this message today. Until two weeks ago, I failed to realize how important this task is," Padilla said. "I look out today and see dozens of faculty whom I'm heard students speak of with fondest regard. The drive for excellence was fed by Adams State in and out of the classroom. It now seems so simple.
"Thank you to the Alamosa community who made us feel welcome. Thank you to each and every graduate for making life more colorful. Thank you to every professor who has taken the time to make the next paper or exam more difficult. That has strengthened us as scholars. Thank you to all the faculty and staff members who work to the best of their ability to make this college function. And thank you to our family and friends, who are the foundation on which an education is built. Today we celebrate the knowledge we have acquired; it will be put into practice to shape our communities. We will remember Adams State College."
Introducing Lamm, Svaldi said she supported of Adams State even before being appointed to the college's first independent board in 2003, having served as chair of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education.
"This has been the most successful state legislative session in many years, and it would not have been possible without Peggy's strong support," he said. "Higher ed is a business, and the glass ceiling is very much in place. While there are more females on faculties and staffs, nationally, college provosts and presidents are 78 percent more likely to be male. Peggy Lamm serves as a role model for females in higher education and every where. As the parent of two young women, I'm glad for her example."
Now a democratic candidate for Colorado's 7th Congressional District, Lamm has had a distinguished career as a legislator, consumer advocate, teacher, chair of Colorado's Commission on Higher Education, and investigator into the CU football/sex scandal.
She has also served on numerous boards and commissions, including the University of Colorado's Health Sciences Center for Ethics, Humanities and the Law, Hospice of Boulder County, and the National Center for Atmospheric Research Advisory Board.
Beginning her commencement address by turning the tables and taking a photograph of the graduates, Lamm said, "You guys look so gorgeous."
She proceeded to offer her advice to graduates, mixed with upbeat humor.
"The acquisition of my numerous flaws didn't come cheap and didn't come overnight. By the time I was younger than many of you are now, both my parents and all of my grandparents had died. My mother had been an invalid all my life, and we four children grew up taking care of her."
"Growing up with important people dying all around us was a huge lesson - one that most people don't get until they're into their prepared and padded adulthood. Acquiring that lesson so early made it a much more remarkable part of my personality. . . . It is an astonishingly powerful way to live. It certainly sets things into perspective."
Lamm's list of advice for navigating life successfully includes:
"Continue regular maintenance on your sense of humor . . . Do NOT jangle the change in your pockets."
"Memorize at least one good love poem, and hope you get to use it several times. One of my favorites comes from Longfellow's Children's Hour . . . It works great."
"Do at least one stint as a waiter or waitress. It is a very real part of life, and if you have a decent memory, you will become a good tipper.
"Keep reading John Steinbeck. He just keeps getting better and better."
Lamm's directive, "Don't have more babies than you can afford to educate," prompted applause from the audience.
"Do not underestimate being nice. You have no idea how many creeps out there. You have no idea how far 'just being nice' will get you.
"Memorize at least one good toast for when you're celebrating. One of my favorites is from George Carlin: 'May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house.'
"When life turns prickly, and I promise it will, use this mantra: Life is short, but it is also wide. This too will pass.
"It will be up to you, the Class of 2006, not only to build a better society for tomorrow, but also to take bold action to correct the injustices of the past. ... Today graduates, as you rev up for the future, you might remember these words of Mark Twain: 'Cast your eyes on me gentlemen, and lay low, and hold your breath . . . for I'm about to turn myself loose."
By Julie Waechter
