At Fairfield’s 58th commencement, Stacy Molski ’08 said in her valedictory address Sunday that while it is important to reflect on the past four years, the more than 1,200 graduates should take pride in this “momentous occasion” and look toward the future.
“Our time at Fairfield has been a series of moments leading up to this point in time,” said Molski. “The present is happening now; it is yours.”
To watch a video of the valedictory speech, click here.
Thousands of family and friends braved the periods of both clear and cloud-filled skies to see graduates accept their awards and listen to Molski as well as other prominent members of the Fairfield community address the distinguished academics.
Commencement speaker and University President Fr. Jeffrey von Arx said this was his graduating class and “the first class that doesn’t remember that other guy,” as von Arx assumed his position four years ago from president emeritus Fr. Aloysius P. Kelley.
To the graduates, von Arx said they must use their time at Fairfield and the “connectedness of the disciplines” to discover and apply the “dynamic” relationship between knowledge and action. “One of the distinctive characteristics of Jesuit education is to make this dynamic self-evident, so that it becomes an unavoidable challenge to bright and talented people,” said von Arx.
The uncertainty of the graduates’ futures can also be looked at as an opportunity, according to von Arx in his address.
“You should have the resources, both personal and as result of your education here at Fairfield, to confront this uncertainty,” he added. “And in confronting uncertainty we believe you have the opportunity to grow in virtue – not least in faith, hope and love.”
To watch a video of President von Arx’s commencement speech, click here.
Both Molski and von Arx challenged students to celebrate their own accomplishments and live in service to others. “Embrace the things of larger importance,” said Molski. “This exact moment is your own.” There were 890 bachelor’s degrees, 321 master’s degrees, 19 certificates of advanced study and three associate’s degrees awarded to the graduates.
Of those diplomas and awards given at the Bellarmine Hall Lawn, Laura Hastings ’08 received the Bellarmine Medal, the award for the highest four-year academic average and Timothy Dee ’08 received the St. Ignatius Loyola Medal, given to a senior for outstanding service to the University. The University also awarded honorary law degrees to individuals who exemplify the Jesuit values of learning and service including Sister M. Julianna Poole, S.S.N.D, graduate professor of education and allied professions and chair of the foreign languages and bilingual/multicultural programs.
Other recipients were Francis T. Vincent, Jr., former Major League Baseball Commissioner, former president and CEO of Columbia Pictures; musician, writer and composer David Amram; and Rev. John Halligan, S.J., founder of Working Boys Center in Quito, Ecuador.
To watch a video of the full ceremony (2 hours long,) click here.
To here the Fairfield University Glee Club perform the Fairfield University alma mater.
Video and audio from Fairfield University Media Center.
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