University of Mary Washington - Index

University of Mary Washington - summer08 - Index

ON CAMPUS
Centennial-Year Graduation������������������
Sen. John Warner’s inspirational sentiments brightened rainy-day ceremony
With their pomp and circumstance
and promise for the future, graduation
ceremonies make nearly everyone
feel special. But for more than 1,200
members of the Class of 2008, “special”
took on a whole new meaning at the
University of Mary Washington’s 97th
Commencement Ceremony on May 10.
A gentle rain fell on a crowd of
about 5,000 – graduates, faculty,
family members, and friends – during
most of the proceedings. But even a
drizzle couldn’t dampen the spirit of
the day and the jubilance surrounding
this distinctive class of students, who
received their degrees during Mary
Washington’s Centennial Celebration. In
what was likely his last commencement
address as an elected official, retiring
U.S. Sen. John Warner urged graduates
– the majority of whom had attended
Mary Washington since it first became
a university four years ago – to cherish
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UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON MAGAZINE����������������
friendships, give back to community,
and do their part to protect the
environment.
The sobering sound of bagpipes
played by UMW’s award-winning Eagle
Pipe Band heralded the academic
procession from Jefferson Hall, beneath
the archways of the Carmen Culpeper
Chappell ’59 Centennial Campanile, and
along Campus Walk. Led by elected
representatives and distinguished
professors, including Marshal of the
Faculty Stephen P. Stageberg, who
carried the newly redesigned University
mace, the graduates made their way to
their seats in Ball Circle. The procession
was capped off by Acting University
President Richard V. Hurley, who
then spoke briefly, calling the affair a
“landmark event.”
During the Mother’s Day weekend
ceremony, proud parents and relatives
laid hands upon their hearts while
Ashley Lorraine Lippolis ’08 and
Christa Elizabeth Sorrentino ’08
sang the National Anthem. Pride and
cheer were in the air, despite the wet
weather. “There’s sunshine everywhere
today,” said one optimistic member of
the crowd. Bright umbrellas sprung up
sporadically, adding a rainbow of color
to the proceedings.
Board of Visitors Rector J. William
Poole put an upbeat spin on things,
starting his speech with his own
cheerful proclamation. “Look, the skies
are clearing,” he said. “It’s a perfect day.”
Poole went on to reassure the
graduates with his words. “Your class is a
special one,” he said before urging them
not to let their talents go untested.
Warner, 81, who is finishing his fifth
term in the Senate, seconded that
notion, reminding the grads of their
unique place in the University’s history.
“You are a special class,” said