Utah senator addresses largest graduating class at college
WAYNESBURG – Waynesburg College welcomed a Republican senator and endured heavy rains to graduate its largest class ever during its 151st commencement ceremony Sunday. The college conferred graduate and undergraduate degrees upon 475 students in a class that included international students from Israel, Kazakhstan, South Korea and Venezuela.
Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch delivered the commencement address as he offered the graduates “four short suggestions” for life.
Commencement ceremonies began outside, but a heavy rain shower forced the activities into the on-campus gymnasium located adjacent to the park.
In his address, Hatch called upon the graduates to show gratitude, take responsibility, be someone’s hero and demonstrate passion about things they pursue. “There isn’t anything that you can’t do if you set your mind to it,” Hatch said. “Be the best that you can be.”
Hatch also recognized Waynesburg College and the graduating class for their service-learning efforts. “Your young people are heroes to me,” said Hatch. “For all that you have done for your community, you are to be commended.”
The high-profile Hatch has served in the Senate for 26 years and is “well-known for his reputation as a man of principle,” said Waynesburg College President Timothy Thyreen.
“He is respected for his personal integrity and wisdom, and he is nationally recognized for his years of outstanding service to our country,” Thyreen added.
The college awarded an honorary doctor of humane letter degree to Hatch, and the Rev. Wintley Phipps, a two-time Grammy Award-nominated gospel and inspirational singer, performed Hatch’s “Heal Our Land,” as well as “God Bless America,” during the ceremony.
College officials also conferred an honorary doctor of humane letter degree on Dr. James Mead, executive presbyter of Pittsburgh Presbytery, who earlier in the morning delivered the baccalaureate sermon. In his address, “The Very First Step in Mission,” Mead urged the graduates to accept the mission God gives through Jesus.
Academic Dean Dr. Richard Stanislaw announced the recipients of the Lucas-Hathaway Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Awards.
Assistant professor of English Dr. Jamie Dessart and associate professor of education Ann Canning were recognized for their contributions to the academic life at the college.
Computer science major James Janicki of Georgetown, Pa., delivered the valedictory. Janicki, the son of Andrew and Mary Janicki and graduate of South Side High School, is the president of the student chapter of Habitat for Humanity, served as a Bonner scholar and participated actively with the college honors program, the Newman Club and the Computer Science Club.
In his address, he challenged his classmates to demonstrate courage and confidence to explore new oceans and to prepare for success in life through the education and values gained at the college.
Michael J. Smith, chief operating officer and vice president of Goodwill Industries, served as the MBA graduate representative and delivered the graduate address.
In his valedictory to the graduates, Thyreen challenged the graduates to “meet the future with enthusiastic, uncompromised commitment to people and the common good.”
Said Thryeen, “You must be part of the solution to the problems we face. I hope that you will meet the future with the same enthusiasm to bring distinction to you and your family.”