Milton Babbitt (center) with Jeffrey Kresky, professor of music (left) and Lynne Rogers, assistant professor of music		President Arnold Speert with Maureen Conway ’66

“Change creates opportunity, so be ready to leverage change to your advantage,” said Maureen Conway ’66, retired vice president of emerging market solutions for Hewlett Packard who spoke at the University’s 183rd commencement ceremony which postponed one day due to inclement weather. But rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the 869 undergraduates who picked up their degrees.

Conway received a President’s Medal.  “Like me, each and every one of you has developed a tremendous set of capabilities here at William Paterson,” she said. “It is a foundation that will allow you to think broadly about career choices. So when the opportunity comes for you to evaluate options, think creatively about what is possible. And you will thrive.”

Milton Babbitt, one of the most celebrated composers of the past half-century, received a doctor of humane letters degree for his body of work in electronic and twelve-tone music.

Tiffany Groglio, who was selected by the administration to represent her class, spoke of how the past four years--and the decisions she made--changed her. “The college graduate version of me has a stronger sense of self, a much more open mind, and an ample store of self confidence to push me through the tough times…. I think we all know that life is best when it is distracting.”

Catherine Romanski (center), graduates at age 72		Tiffany Groglio '06

Following a reference to the effects of Hurricane Katrina and the interdependence of the human experience, President Speert commented, “As you leave our campus community, recognize how wonderful you are and how much potential you have not just for yourselves Recognize how you can apply the knowledge, skills and talents that you developed here to improve the lives of fellow citizens throughout our region, our nation and event the world. Recognize how much you will be able to accomplish by your future achievements in teaching, science and technology, social service, the arts, mass communication, and business. Recognize how much your family, friends, neighbors and associates depend upon you. Remember your experiences here, and use what you have learned to foster tolerance, understanding and harmony.”

Christopher Blake ’83		Erica Caine '06

The graduate commencement was held on the previous afternoon, as 294 students received master’s degrees. Christopher Blake ’83, Ph.D, the Joseph Keating, S. J. Distinguished Professor at Fordham University, who received a President’s Medal, was the graduate commencement speaker, and Erica Caine, president of the Graduate Students Association, also addressed the audience. Blake urged the graduates to “not squander your gifts or your integrity, you are lost without it,” he said. “With dedication and hard work you can achieve any goal. Use perseverance and try to excel, and never stop learning and seeking knowledge.”