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States News Service
May 19, 2013 Sunday
CLARK HOLDS 109TH COMMENCEMENT
Worcester, MA
The following information was released by Clark University:
Clark University held its 109th Commencement on Sunday, May 19.
Degrees were granted to 1096 graduates: 523 baccalaureate, 541
masters, and 32 doctoral.
Carolyn Mugar gives the Commencement address
Carolyn Mugar, executive director of Farm Aid, and founder of the
Armenia Tree Project, delivered the Commencement address and imparted
lessons from the early days of both organizations. Mugar was married
to the late John T. O'Connor, who served as a Clark Trustee from 1997
to 2001. O'Connor died at the age of 46.
"Don't wait for your life to begin," she urged the graduates. "When
you see what's wrong, there is ALWAYS something you can do, no matter
what your age."
Mugar told the story of Farm Aid, and how musician Willie Nelson,
whose original plan was to host just one concert to raise money and
awareness for family farmers, sparked a movement and earned himself a
reputation as the most committed visible supporter of family farmers.
"Yes it's good to think ahead, to plan, but often the best thing is to
simply act. Just take that first uncertain step, and then take the
next, and keep going," said Mugar. "Don't spend any time standing
still in fear about which road to take. Just get moving. Life happens
when you make choices, when you take action."
The philanthropist/activist reassured the graduates that the future
would be okay because of what they themselves will do.
"With ordinary human courage and vision, with the particular special
tools Clark has given each of you, with the hands-on experience you
already have, together with others, you have the capacity to do what
needs to be done," she said.
Mugar accepted an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters on
behalf of Farm Aid and the Armenia Tree Project-two organizations, she
said, "that know the importance of courage, vision, and community."
President Angel shares a smile with a proud graduate
In his introductory remarks, Clark President Angel told the graduates,
"While some are pessimistic about what lies ahead for our country and
our world, those of us who have spent time with Clark graduates are
optimistic about our common future."
"The difference you have made on our campus inspires us," President
Angel continued. "We are confident that you-our graduates-will
challenge convention and change our world for the better."
President Angel also recognized Clark English Professor Virginia
(Ginger) Vaughan, who is retiring this year, for her many years of
service to Clark students.
For the first time ever at Clark, the senior speaker used slam poetry
to address her fellow graduates. Abigail E. Petkov, of Highland Park,
N.J., delivered a poem inspired by Dylan Thomas' "Do Not Go Gentle
Into That Good Night." Petkov graduated magna cum laude with a
bachelor of arts degree.
Abigail Petkov '13 addresses fellow grads through slam poetry
"The impact that we can have on this world is limitless. But in order
to feel as though our lives have been complete, the determination
rests on us. We get to decide the paths of our lives. And our
potential is boundless," she said.
Petkov's poem ended with the words, "See, we are very fortunate. We
are here, now, and good. And we believe in good. And we are only just
arriving. Our light is not dying. The potential of our lives has only
just begun to illuminate. We are here. We are free. And we are
strong."
Clark also conferred honorary degrees upon the following individuals:
Sumner B. "Tony" Tilton, Jr. is an attorney at Fletcher Tilton P.C.
and a life member of the Clark University Board of Trustees. Tilton
has been a powerful force for Clark for many years and has helped
guide Clark's relationship with the City of Worcester, now a national
model of how a university and municipality can work together for
mutual benefit. Tilton Hall is named in recognition of his generous
support of Clark. He will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
S. Paul Reville is professor of practice at the Harvard Graduate
School of Education and former Massachusetts Secretary of Education
from 2008 to 2012. Described by Governor Deval Patrick as "the father
of Massachusetts education reform," Reville has held numerous
leadership positions in the education sector dedicated to the
improvement of preK-12 public education. He received an honorary
Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Michel Sidibe is executive director of UNAIDS and a 25-year public
service veteran. Sidibe is committed to transforming the Joint United
Nations program on HIV/AIDS into a people-centered and
results-oriented organization that will eliminate new HIV infections
and AIDS-related deaths. He received an honorary Doctor of Humane
Letters degree.
May 19, 2013 Sunday
CLARK HOLDS 109TH COMMENCEMENT
Worcester, MA
The following information was released by Clark University:
Clark University held its 109th Commencement on Sunday, May 19.
Degrees were granted to 1096 graduates: 523 baccalaureate, 541
masters, and 32 doctoral.
Carolyn Mugar gives the Commencement address
Carolyn Mugar, executive director of Farm Aid, and founder of the
Armenia Tree Project, delivered the Commencement address and imparted
lessons from the early days of both organizations. Mugar was married
to the late John T. O'Connor, who served as a Clark Trustee from 1997
to 2001. O'Connor died at the age of 46.
"Don't wait for your life to begin," she urged the graduates. "When
you see what's wrong, there is ALWAYS something you can do, no matter
what your age."
Mugar told the story of Farm Aid, and how musician Willie Nelson,
whose original plan was to host just one concert to raise money and
awareness for family farmers, sparked a movement and earned himself a
reputation as the most committed visible supporter of family farmers.
"Yes it's good to think ahead, to plan, but often the best thing is to
simply act. Just take that first uncertain step, and then take the
next, and keep going," said Mugar. "Don't spend any time standing
still in fear about which road to take. Just get moving. Life happens
when you make choices, when you take action."
The philanthropist/activist reassured the graduates that the future
would be okay because of what they themselves will do.
"With ordinary human courage and vision, with the particular special
tools Clark has given each of you, with the hands-on experience you
already have, together with others, you have the capacity to do what
needs to be done," she said.
Mugar accepted an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters on
behalf of Farm Aid and the Armenia Tree Project-two organizations, she
said, "that know the importance of courage, vision, and community."
President Angel shares a smile with a proud graduate
In his introductory remarks, Clark President Angel told the graduates,
"While some are pessimistic about what lies ahead for our country and
our world, those of us who have spent time with Clark graduates are
optimistic about our common future."
"The difference you have made on our campus inspires us," President
Angel continued. "We are confident that you-our graduates-will
challenge convention and change our world for the better."
President Angel also recognized Clark English Professor Virginia
(Ginger) Vaughan, who is retiring this year, for her many years of
service to Clark students.
For the first time ever at Clark, the senior speaker used slam poetry
to address her fellow graduates. Abigail E. Petkov, of Highland Park,
N.J., delivered a poem inspired by Dylan Thomas' "Do Not Go Gentle
Into That Good Night." Petkov graduated magna cum laude with a
bachelor of arts degree.
Abigail Petkov '13 addresses fellow grads through slam poetry
"The impact that we can have on this world is limitless. But in order
to feel as though our lives have been complete, the determination
rests on us. We get to decide the paths of our lives. And our
potential is boundless," she said.
Petkov's poem ended with the words, "See, we are very fortunate. We
are here, now, and good. And we believe in good. And we are only just
arriving. Our light is not dying. The potential of our lives has only
just begun to illuminate. We are here. We are free. And we are
strong."
Clark also conferred honorary degrees upon the following individuals:
Sumner B. "Tony" Tilton, Jr. is an attorney at Fletcher Tilton P.C.
and a life member of the Clark University Board of Trustees. Tilton
has been a powerful force for Clark for many years and has helped
guide Clark's relationship with the City of Worcester, now a national
model of how a university and municipality can work together for
mutual benefit. Tilton Hall is named in recognition of his generous
support of Clark. He will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
S. Paul Reville is professor of practice at the Harvard Graduate
School of Education and former Massachusetts Secretary of Education
from 2008 to 2012. Described by Governor Deval Patrick as "the father
of Massachusetts education reform," Reville has held numerous
leadership positions in the education sector dedicated to the
improvement of preK-12 public education. He received an honorary
Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Michel Sidibe is executive director of UNAIDS and a 25-year public
service veteran. Sidibe is committed to transforming the Joint United
Nations program on HIV/AIDS into a people-centered and
results-oriented organization that will eliminate new HIV infections
and AIDS-related deaths. He received an honorary Doctor of Humane
Letters degree.