Skorton challenges graduates to build future based on social responsibility

The 6,000 newest Cornell graduates have much to look forward to, said President David Skorton, and many notable achievements to celebrate. But with education and success comes a responsibility to work for the public good -- and such work is critical for overcoming the "sorrows and challenges" of today's world.

Skorton addressed the Class of 2008 -- and their friends, families, teachers and mentors -- in Schoellkopf Stadium on a postcard-perfect Commencement morning Sunday, May 25.

A sometime poet, Skorton began his speech -- perhaps with a nod to Convocation speaker writer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou -- with verse describing the "University" as "a way to future … A chance for courage … A call to action."

Expanding on this theme, he noted that Cornell has long recognized the importance of both theoretical and applied learning, but equally vital is the university's ability to instill and cultivate a sense of social responsibility in students, faculty and staff.

"I want to suggest this morning that all colleges and universities -- and not just land-grant [universities] -- have a role in serving the public good," he said. "I believe we have a responsibility to give back by bringing the fruits of our research to the public, side by side with our critical mission of pursuing knowledge for its own sake; and by cultivating in our students the social responsibility that will enable them to continue their efforts after they earn their degrees."

Members of the Class of '08 have already shown talent and promise in areas from engineering to hospitality studies to athletics, he said. And many have demonstrated a dedication to public service through service-learning projects and volunteer work.

That dedication is more vital now than ever before, Skorton said. Today's world -- with ongoing war in the Middle East; the recent devastating earthquake in China and cyclone in Myanmar; and "poverty within a few miles of this magnificent campus" --calls for new solutions from a generation of "social entrepreneurs" -- pragmatic visionaries who achieve significant social change through innovative, sustainable approaches.

"The tangible results of social entrepreneurship can be breathtaking and inspirational," he said.

He cited Cornellians who have already produced striking results, including Jessica Houle '08, who created a program to provide mentoring, recreational and leadership opportunities to teens in local mobile home parks; June Hu '08 a leader in a program that provides volunteer translation and interpretation service to community agencies; and Harris Rosen '61 of Tangelo Park, Fla., whose pilot program has put more than 300 students from a working-class and predominantly African-American community through college.

A few newly liberated balloons rose in the clear-blue sky as Skorton issued challenges to the graduating class.

"Remember what it is like to stretch yourselves intellectually -- to take on something truly difficult and to bring it to successful completion -- and seek new opportunities to learn and to grow throughout your lives," he said.

"Remember what it is like to be part of this unique community of education, discovery, creativity and service, and seek to extend this commitment to the public good -- no matter what professional course you have chosen to pursue or where in the world you will now make your home."

He called on graduates to support education at all levels. "Remember that the quality of education, from preschool through graduate or professional school, depends on all of us and is one of the world's greatest assets," he said.

Enjoy life's successes, he added, but always remain humble. "Remember that the difference between the powerful and powerless is very small, and that you need to pay as much attention to the powerless as to the privileged.

"All of us wish you well as you embark on what I hope will be lives of service to the benefit of the people of the world. I am counting on you. And I know you're up to the challenges that lie ahead."

Skorton closed, then, as he began.

University.
A place of wonder.
A time of learning.
A space for growing.
University.
A way to future.
A realm for seeking.
A chance for courage.
University.
A path to reach back.
A call to action.
A place of wonder.
University.

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