The Washington College class of 2013 got a send off yesterday from former Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, who cautioned graduates that a life devoted principally to the accumulation of wealth and fame would not guarantee them happiness.
“I have known some of the richest and most famous people in America, and I can report to you that many of them are desperately unhappy,” Rendell said in his commencement speech to this year’s 322 graduates.
Rendell called on graduates to enrich themselves by volunteering five hours a week to help others and to pursue their dreams without fear of loss or setbacks.
“Success is not the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success,” he said, quoting Albert Schweitzer. “If you love what you are doing, you will be successful every single day.”
See Rendell’s full speech, the video is around 12 minutes.
“Define your own criteria for success, go for it, and don’t let anyone hold you back from seeking your dreams,” Rendell said. “Barack Obama lost his first attempt at elected office against an incumbent congressman, and Abraham Lincoln lost nine elections before being elected President. The only disgrace is not trying.”
Among the graduates were three local women who you may have seen working at Chestertown Natural Foods.
AWARDS
THE JANE HUSTON GOODFELLOW MEMORIAL PRIZE: Gabrielle Renée and James Aaron Selestok
To a graduating senior, majoring in science, who has an abiding appreciation of the arts and humanities and has shown scholastic excellence.
THE GOLD PENTAGON AWARDS: Awarded to Senior Eshan Uday Patel and Environmental Studies Professor Donald A. Munson.
To a senior and to one alumnus, faculty or friend of the college, selected by Omicron Delta Kappa Society, in recognition of meritorious service to Washington College.
SOPHIE KERR PRIZE: Awarded to Tim Marcin
To the senior judged to have the best ability and promise for future fulfillment in the field of literary endeavor.
Other Sophie Kerr finalists: Emily Blackner, Maegan Clearwood, Jillian Obermeier, and Bond Richards.
THE LOUIS L. GOLDSTEIN ’35 AWARD: Awarded to Gabrielle Elizabeth Tarbert
To a graduating senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, has demonstrated unusual interest, enthusiasm and potential in the field of public affairs.
THE EUGENE B. CASEY MEDAL: Awarded to Caitlyn Rose Riehl
To a senior woman voted by the faculty to be outstanding in the qualities of scholarship, character, leadership and campus citizenship.
HENRY W.C. CATLIN 1894 MEDAL Awarded to Ryan J. Bankert
To a senior man voted by the faculty to be outstanding in the qualities of scholarship, character, leadership and campus citizenship.
George Washington explains the power of virtue. The video is under four minutes.
CLARK-PORTER MEDAL: Awarded to Eshan Uday Patel
To the student whose character and personal integrity, in the opinion of the faculty, have most clearly enhanced the quality of campus life. Presented by Charles B. Clark ’34 in memory of Harry B. Porter Class of 1905.
GEORGE WASHINGTON MEDAL AND AWARD: Awarded to Katherine Suzanne Thornton
To the senior who shows the greatest promise of understanding and realizing in life and work the ideals of a liberal education.
Mark Einstein says
Way to go, Your Honor, Governor Rendell! You have given, perhaps, the most sound and most desperately needed advice to the graduating class that they have ever heard. As a HS teacher with former students graduating in this class and as a long time admirer of your character and intellect, I feel particularly indebted to you for sharing your wisdom with these graduates. “Knowledge comes but wisdom lingers” (Tennyson).
Thank you!
jenifer emley says
Right!