Gee challenges graduates to 'stretch' life

Photos by Neil Brake

Chancellor Gordon Gee delivered his first Commencement address at Vanderbilt May 11.

In his first Commencement address as Chancellor of Vanderbilt University, Gordon Gee urged the Class of 2001 to "stretch" moments of celebration, and to guard against distractions during times of joy.

"You can stretch a moment, if you attend to it enough. Be here on this lovely May morning. Be here in the warmth and in the sun," he said. "Do not let anxiety overrun you. ... Now is the time to think about who you are now, as you are poised to step off into the world."

2,699 students completed the requirements for their respective degrees in 200001.

Gee spoke before an estimated crowd of 17,000 who gathered on Alumni Lawn May 11, as the candidates waited in regalia to have their degrees conferred. A total of 2,699 students completed the requirements for degrees from Vanderbilt's 10 schools during the 200001 academic year; 16 of these students were awarded two degrees. Some who completed their degrees in August and December were unable to return for the Commencement ceremony.

"A life is made up of an infinite number of moments, each precious, in that each is a beginning," said Gee. "Commencement does not mark an ending, but rather a beginning; it is, after all, a commencement."

The Chancellor encouraged the graduates to seek a life beyond the ordinary.

"Our academic culture gives us this time, this ceremony, to reflect, to gather our resources, to center ourselves," he said. "But all of our moments should be like this."

Gee, completing his first academic year as leader of the University, cited two graduates -- J. Riley Bryant and Katherine Pettus Randall -- as examples of individuals who "expanded their moments" at Vanderbilt in pursuit of a full life.

"Riley's life and Kate's life are extraordinary, indeed, but they are only representative," he said. "Each of you leads -- and will lead -- an extraordinary life. Imagine the fullest potential of every moment of that life, its fullest potential as an opportunity for scholarship, for service, for art, for justice, for compassion, for celebration."

Bryant, who graduated from the College of Arts and Science with a triple major of classics, mathematics and computer science, "stretched his time this year to accommodate five-hour-long rehearsals for University Theatre productions of Henry the Fourth, Part One and A Doll's House," said Gee.

Images taken by television-quality video cameras were broadcast on two giant monitors on Alumni Lawn (background) as well as on the Internet.

Randall, an English major from Tuscaloosa, Ala., helped children in Lithuania learn democratic principles and form youth government programs. Closer to home, she worked to increase campus awareness of homelessness, worked with the Vanderbilt Prison Project and the Room in the Inn, and served as a site leader for Alternative Spring Break.

"Kate has used the opportunity afforded her by being a student at Vanderbilt to help her community," said Gee. "She has expanded her m oments into chances for realization of service and advocacy."

Rekindling a Vanderbilt tradition last observed by Chancellor Alexander Heard in 1982, Gee addressed the graduates school by school as they stood to have their degrees conferred.

Prior to Gee's address, Thomas G. Burish, Provost, and Harry R. Jacobson, vice chancellor for health affairs, presented the 30 faculty members upon whom the title emeritus or emerita was conferred in recognition of their years of distinguished service [See Register, May 720]. The top scholar in each of the University's undergraduate and professional schools was awarded a Founder's Medal during the ceremony [See page 3].

Technology continues to help people on and off campus alike to witness the pomp and circumstance. For the fourth consecutive year, the Commencement exercises were cybercast over the Internet. Last year, more than 900 viewers watched live via cyberspace as Chancellor Joe B. Wyatt conferred his final degrees. Organizers said this year's event drew more than 1,100 viewers to the Web cast. Those on Alumni Lawn also were able to watch the ceremony with the aid of two giant video walls, 14 feet tall and 18 feet wide, that were used for the first time to make it easier for everybody in attendance to see the activity on the platform.