Ready for Prime Time

CNN's Christiane Amanpour exhorts graduates to recognize

by Michelle Simmons

July 1, 2009

(from left): John J. Curly '60, Christiane Amanpour, Julius W. Becton Jr. and Marjorie O. Rendell

Their gowns billowing in breezes more apropos of March, the 576 members of the class of 2009 descended the steps of Old West on May 17.

In his opening remarks, President William G. Durden ’71 noted the recent 225th anniversary of the college’s charter and drew parallels between today’s global challenges and those facing Dickinson’s founder, Benjamin Rush, in the aftermath of the American Revolution.

For the first time in college history an honorary doctorate was awarded to an organization, the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF). CNN’s chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour, a member of the IWMF board of directors, accepted an honorary doctor of journalism on behalf of the organization.

Amanpour thanked the college for supporting the work of the IWMF, which she said has “recognized women reporters in the hottest spots” in the world, including Colombia, Russia and the Middle East. The IWMF’s mission “dovetails with Dickinson’s mission of creating a strong, well-informed global citizenry,” she added.

To the graduates, she said, “Find something that sets you on fire. Battle the word ‘no’ to keep on your chosen path.” To illustrate, Amanpour described joining CNN in 1983, then an “upstart” cable news organization. Arriving in Atlanta with only a suitcase, a bicycle and $100, she worked long hours for years before becoming a foreign correspondent.

Amanpour told graduates to take risks, travel the world and “always speak the truth whether it’s comfortable or not.” Reflecting on the armed conflicts she witnessed throughout her career and the challenges of the new global economy, she called for a new “army” of goodwill. “I’ve been out there, and the world needs you desperately.”

An honorary doctor of journalism also was awarded to John J. Curley ’60, the first editor of USA Today and former president and CEO of Gannett Co. Inc. The degree recognized his professional accomplishments and his long-standing service to Dickinson, including three decades on the board of trustees. He was board chair from 1998 to 2008.

Also honored were Marjorie O. Rendell, judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the first lady of Pennsylvania, who received an honorary doctor of law and public service, and Julius W. Becton Jr., retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, former director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and retired education administrator, who received an honorary doctor of public service.

Associate Provost Brenda Bretz ’95 conferred on U.S. District Judge John E. Jones ’77 an honorary Phi Beta Kappa membership; 56 graduates joined Phi Beta Kappa.

For high academic achievement, Joanne Williams (history) received the James Fowler Rusling Prize, and Krista Gray (math and history) received the John Patton Memorial Prize. Elizabeth Grazioli (art history) and Cameron Kerr (history) were awarded the William F. Hufstader Senior Prizes for leadership.

Sarah Bair, assistant professor of education, earned the Constance and Rose Ganoe Memorial Award for Inspirational Teaching, an honor voted on by the senior class. Carol Loeffler, associate professor of biology, received the Distinguished Teaching Award a few days earlier.

Forty percent of the class of 2009 graduated with Latin honors, and 50 students graduated with departmental honors.

For more on Commencement, visit www.dickinson.edu/commencement/2009.