Honorary Degree Recipients' Remarks

Esther R Newberg '63:

Thanks Lesley, you mean so much to me, and President Marshall. I would like to begin by congratulating everyone who is graduating today. I have seen the uncensored CD of Road Trip, so I have some idea of what you have accomplished these past years. I am sure, if you are not too hung over, that this is an exhilarating time for you; a chance to reflect on the past and enjoy the present and prepare to enter a future where the economy is making people feel nostalgic for Herbert Hoover, and the official Vegas odds on finding a job are just slightly lower than the line on the Red Sox winning the World Series which, by the way, is from a Red Sox fan living in New York City. As long as I have an opportunity to talk to you just for a minute, I thought I would give you a little hope and lift your spirits and prepare you for some of the realities ahead. When I graduated from this place in 1837, I was not really sure what I was going to do. It was actually the '60s, so I did know a few things. I knew I had to pick up a peace medallion and a pair of mauve hot pants, because we actually wore those. Other than that, I was pretty much clueless.

I envy those of you who are academic minded, because you are probably more focused than I was. I was not Wheaton's best student, but with the help of the Government Department, I became an intern in politics in Washington. No comment about that. And that's how I stumbled into career number one.

I envy those of you who already understand the need for self-discipline, because that means you've probably got more direction than I had. I did have a couple of things that turned out to be important, though, in the real world. As your president just said, I had a lot of passion. I was always extremely hostile, so I went into politics. And then when that wasn't nearly aggressive for me, I became Don Imus' literary agent. One of the things I learned and am still learning--and this is really important--is that choices never have to be permanent. You are allowed to make a few errors--God knows I have--and you are allowed to change the direction you're headed in. The key, though, is finding that passion and going with it, wherever it leads.

Finally, stay in touch with the people in your class. They are your first resource. It's not just because friendship is so important. Lesley was my classmate and has been my friend all these 40 years, and so has Pat King, the chairman of the board of trustees. I introduced Pat to her handsome husband, who is here today, Roger Wilkins, and Lesley recommended me for the job that resulted in my second career. So, you never know-- one of your classmates might find you a--I actually had written "husband" in here, and then I remembered this was co-ed so I had to write "spouse"--or interview you some day on "60 Minutes." All I know is that Wheaton was my launch pad. I owe this college a great deal. I am honored that you have given me a degree, and if you need a job, call me next week.

Patricia Phelps de Cisneros '69:

Gracias, President Marshall and Mr. Beard. It's a very great honor and such a pleasure to return to Wheaton to receive this degree, especially in the company of Mr. Lewis and Ms. Newberg, Ms. Keener, and, of course, the outstanding class of 2003. I'm glad that, under the leadership of President Marshall, Wheaton has recently established a Center for Global Education for its students and its faculty. It was during my years at Wheaton that I, a Venezuelan, learned to love and respect the United States, to better understand and value your history, and your commitment to democracy. I also developed a deep appreciation for the warmth and tolerance that I found here as a foreign student. At the same time my experiences at Wheaton deepened my love for my own country. For the first time I was able to see Latin America from an international perspective, to view its accomplishments in a global context.

We have all seen in recent months how much of what we take for granted, civil society and the rule of law, even food and water, is scarce or nonexistent for so many others. You have seen this most recently, and of course most vividly, in the Middle East, but I know you know that it's true elsewhere as well. In the United States, you take democracy for granted. In Latin America we fight for democracy every day of our lives. There is so much strife in the world, it is tempting to look the other way, but I hope that you will resist this temptation and do exactly the opposite. Can there be a more important day than today in which to learn about other peoples and cultures? If there is one thing I would ask you on your graduation, it's this; open your eyes and open your hearts to Latin America. Have fun doing it, be curious, learn Spanish, learn salsa, get to know our people and our cultural traditions, familiarize yourself with our marvelous art and our powerful literature.

If you see something about Latin America in the newspaper, if you see something, read it. If you see an exhibition of Latin American art, visit it. There is so much to learn and to enjoy from our country. Remember as well that Latin America is one of the earth's biggest reservoirs of unspoiled natural resources. Its rainforests and waterfalls are to be nurtured and preserved for their own sake as well as for your children.

You are a terrific class. The challenge I pose to you today is to keep your curiosity, to be open to your neighbors to the south, and remember you have the power to change the world. It's how you use that power that's going to make the real difference.

Catherine A. Keener '83:

Thank you very much. I am beyond honored and overwhelmed. I came to Wheaton and benefited from help from everyone here, including my aunt, who let me live with her, and teachers, who took me in when I felt like a real fish out of water, and I still feel that way. But I also felt that I got off to a really great start here, and it was just a special experience for me and it continues to inform decisions I make personally and professionally to this day. I'm truly grateful and wish you all the best. Peace.

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