Record class earns diplomas at Commencement
May 20, 2008

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Members of the largest graduating class in College history received their diplomas May 17 during a ceremony on the Residential Quadrangle.

The 292 students who crossed the stage during the College’s 177th Commencement easily bested last year’s record of 256 graduates.

But size isn’t all that set the Class of 2008 apart. For the first time in memory, a LaGrange student spoke to those gathered.

LeeAnn Brooks, recipient of this year’s Waights G. Henry, Jr., Leadership Award, told her fellow graduates to have confidence in the education they’ve received on the Hill.

“Don’t hesitate to trust what you’ve learned,” she said. “ … The lessons we have learned here have prepared us for the real world that waits. As LC graduates, I have faith that we’ll do just fine, just as we’ve done the past four years.” 

Also on hand to address the assemblage was Sally Bethea, founding director of the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. She told the graduates that it is important that they learn to be successful on their own terms.

“If it looks good to others, but does not feel right in your heart, it’s not success,” she said, explaining that she had several starts and stops before discovering in her early 40s what she wanted in a career.

“Some of you may already know exactly what career you want to pursue,” she said. “I admire you and envy you. But, if you don’t know what you want to do with the rest of your life, that’s fine too.

“It’s OK to be unsure and uncertain, to keep exploring—yourself, your state, your country and even the world if you can.” 

Bethea also urged members of the Class of 2008 to take stock in their beliefs and to defend them.

“Along the way, keep the things that you value most close to you,” she said. “Cherish them. Stand up for them. And, if necessary, fight to protect them, especially the voiceless, the children, the poor and the disadvantaged—and the air, water and land that sustain us and give us joy.”

The group of graduates Bethea addressed was diverse as well as large. Members of the class hailed from 11 states and four nations, and they were Asian, black, white, Hispanic and American Indian.

Four individuals were singled out to receive honorary degrees. Commencement speaker Bethea was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree. Dr. M. Thomas Thangaraj, this year’s Baccalaureate speaker, received an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree.

Also receiving an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree was the former president of The Fund for Theological Education Dr. James L. Waits. Departing Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean Dr. Jay Simmons was surprised with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree after a poignant tribute from President Stuart Gulley.

The Distinguished Service Alumni Award winner, Scott Hawkins, was recognized during Commencement as well.

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