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President Arthur J. Rothkopf ’55 made the following farewell remarks to the Class of 2003 at the 168th commencement today:
In his book Idealism and Liberal Education, James O. Freedman, a former college and university president who (along with our distinguished Commencement speaker today) is among the most articulate champions of the liberal tradition in American higher education, celebrates the role of a student’s undergraduate years in the process of “[shaping] a life that is satisfying and meaningful.”
“Personal growth,” Freedman notes, “comes from many sources, but none is more important than a dedicated commitment to social and public responsibilities. Because we share a common society – indeed, a common world – with our fellow men and women, we share a common obligation to work to improve that society and that world. Not everyone can be a senator, a governor, congressperson, or ambassador. Not everyone will stride across the national stage of public events. But everyone can make effective contributions to the quality of life in the communities in which we live. Each one of us can devote [herself or himself] to strengthening the public institutions that enrich our communal life.”
Today’s commencement exercises have provided us with superb exemplars of this type of commitment. Just think of the communities – the civic and religious organizations, the social, educational, and political institutions – that have been profoundly transformed through the efforts of the four individuals to whom it was our great privilege to present honorary degrees earlier this afternoon. Think of the impact that our Pepper Prize winner, Lauren Frese, has had over the past four years through her involvement with Communities That Care, Adopt-a-Class, Learning Together in Friendship, and the other volunteer programs to which she devoted her talents and energy.
This type of engagement has, in my view, now become practically synonymous with “The Lafayette Ideal.” And it is increasingly the hallmark of the Lafayette Experience as a whole. For Lafayette undergraduates of my generation, there were certainly opportunities to make a difference. But our students today make far better – and far bolder – use of those opportunities.
This summer, two members of the Class of 2004 will be taking advantage of new opportunities for internships that the College is offering in the field of public service. These internships, both of which are being sponsored for the first time, were highly competitive and attracted superb candidates. One of the internships, which has been funded by alumnus Frank Phifer ’72, is designed to encourage students to take advantage of opportunities in the Washington, DC, area. The first beneficiary of support from Frank’s fund will gain behind-the-scenes experience on Capitol Hill.
The second fund will provide a stipend to enable a student to undertake a summer internship in public service at the municipal, state, or federal level or in the not-for-profit sector. The name of this fund is the Neil D. Levin ’76 Public Service Endowment, and it was created by family members and friends as a memorial tribute to alumnus Neil Levin.
As some of you may be aware, Neil was the executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, a position he had held for just six months when he died in Tower One during the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Neil was absolutely passionate about the value of public service and civic engagement. Shortly after his death one of his friends, William McDonough, the former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and now President Bush’s nominee to head the new Accounting Standards Board, commented quite movingly on Neil’s commitment. Neil’s “compassion for those less fortunate than he guided much of what he did,” noted McDonough. “He brought his strong moral views to public policy, a model for all of us in public life.”
Neil would have been enormously proud of the first Lafayette student to benefit from the endowment that was created in his memory. Just listen to how she concluded the essay portion of her application: “I have come to understand that to make an impact I must commit to a cause in the fullest way possible. Not only that, but I must be prepared for obstacles and disappointments, . . . Despite these challenges, however, my experience has proven that one cannot concede power, but rather must become directly involved in stimulating positive change. I believe such change has its root in the non-profit world.”
This summer the Neil D. Levin ’76 Public Service Endowment will enable her to undertake an internship with The Population Resource Center, a non-profit organization based in Washington and Princeton that works “to enable policymakers to incorporate the latest research findings in population change into the development of public policy.”
It is enormously gratifying to see our undergraduates seeking out opportunities of this type. In my own career, about half of my professional experience has been in public service and the non-profit world, and I can say without hesitation that those experiences have been by far the most rewarding and satisfying.
As my parting words of advice to the members of the Class of 2003, I would like to remind you that our best actions are those that point outward. Let yourself be motivated by goals other than personal wealth and prestige. Seek out opportunities for meaningful involvement and service whenever and wherever you have a chance – if not professionally, then in your spare time.
I especially urge you to remain involved with – and supportive of – your college. Because you have contributed so much to Lafayette as students, we have every confidence that you will continue to participate actively, creatively, and thoughtfully in the life of this wonderful community.
Obviously you’ve reached this important moment with the support of your parents, grandparents, and others who have made significant contributions through their love, encouragement, and sacrifice. This ceremony is their celebration, too, and I know how grateful our graduates are for their support. In one case a father and a daughter provided one another with a special kind of support. Ernest Stavrovsky, a part-time student, and Janine Stavrovsky, a full-time student, both received their diplomas today. Congratulations to both!
To conclude, let me just say to all of our graduates: CONGRATULATIONS, LAFAYETTE CLASS OF 2003! Celebrate your accomplishments over the past four years with joy and with satisfaction. Accept the well-deserved hugs and handshakes from your proud (and relieved) families. And continue to give the very best of yourselves to Lafayette, to your communities, and to your world.