2000 Spring Commencement Video, College of Graduate Education and Research and College of Liberal Arts

So we talked all night about the rest of our lives. It's going to be when we turn 25. I keep thinking times will never change. Keep on thinking things will always be the same.

Well, this year we won't be coming back. No more hanging out 'cause we're on a different track. And if you got something that you need to say, you better say it right now.

But you don't have another day that's moving on. And we can't slow down. And these memories are playing like a film without sunlight. I keep thinking, The other night in June I didn't know much I

loved. But it came too soon and it was me and you. And then it got real blue. Stay at home and took it on the telephone with me.

We'd get so excited and we'd get so scared. I'm laughing at ourselves, thinking life's not fair. And this is how it feels. As we go home, we remember all the times we and together and as

our lives change from whatever, we will still be friends forever. So if we get the big jobs and we make the big money, when we look back now when our jokes still be fun and when we still remember

everything we learned in school still we're trying to break every single row. We're little greeny Bobby. Be the stock worker man.

Get in and find the job that we want to feel with the tail and keep keep thinking that it's not goodbye. Keep on thinking it's the time to fly and this is how it feels as we go on.

We remember all the time to scream I do get, and as our lives change from whatever, we will still be friends forever. None the. The None None.

None the the None music None. None. I love your words. None.

None. None. None. The None, None.

Good afternoon. I'm Dan Jones, interim Provost and vice president for academic affairs at the university. Welcome to the 4th of Towson University's 4 Spring

Commencement ceremonies. To open our ceremony. David Thompson, a senior graduate, he was graduating this morning but now he's a graduate, will lead us in singing the

National Anthem. He will be accompanied by the Towson Brass, Michael Bunn, Emmel, George Lewis and Galke, Dave Perkel and Phil Snedcorp. Will you rise, please, and remain standing following the

singing of the National anthem? Oh, so can you see by the dawn to the light What so probably we hailed at the twilight last flee whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight Or the ramparts we watched were

so gallantly streaming And the Rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in the air get proof through the night and that our flag was still there. Or say dies of that source fangled by the and wind all the

light of the may we observe a moment of silence in memory of members of our university community who died this past year. This Albala Freshman Liberal arts Lola Donahoe, retired

Events and Conference services Lauren M Foley, senior occupational therapy department, Dorothy Gould, retired College of Graduate Education and Research. Saeed Kabon, professor, finance department.

Joseph Pat Kepperly, freshman theater arts department. George Cransler, professor emeritus, sociology, department. Robert Lemon, stationary engineer, facilities management. Douglas Martin, professor, history department.

Phyllis Petruzzi, retired office clerk, financial aid. Robert Rose, maintenance mechanic, facilities management. Thank you. Please be seated.

Several of our guests on stage will participate in this afternoon's program and will be introduced later. However, I would like to recognize our other distinguished guests at this time by asking them to stand

when I call their names. Please withhold your applause until everyone's name has been called. We have with us this afternoon Doctor Jack Fruckman, chair of

the University Senate, Doctor Tim Sullivan, president of the Faculty Association American Association of University Professors at Towson University, and Mr. Carl Eisler, vice president of the Towson University Student

Government Association. Also with us this afternoon are Joanne K Glasser, Esquire, Executive Vice President, Institutional Advancement, Doctor Paul Parker, Vice President for Student Life, and

Doctor James Fielder, Vice President for Administration and Finance. In addition, we have with us today Dominique J Lapanzina, a member of the Board of Visitors and Advisory Board to the

President. Serving as our marshals are Doctor Sandra Stanley, professor in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, and Doctor Norma Holter, Professor in the

Department of Accounting. Presenting honorary the representing the honorary degree committee are Doctor MJ McMahon, associate Provost, and Doctor Mark Whitman, professor in the Department of History.

Our thanks also to Doctor Shell Cooper and Connie Newton of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Erica Bell, a practicum student from the Community College of Baltimore County, who are signed interpreting the ceremony this

afternoon, and to the members of the faculty who are serving as faculty and student marshals for the academic procession. Faculty serving as faculty marshals are James Delizio, Roseanne Christian, Suzanne Legault, and James Roberts.

Faculty serving as student marshals are Marshall Stevenson, Marianne Hughes, Lynn Johnson, Pascalupo, and John Mclucas. We also have with us on stage faculty and staff from the 9 departments in the College of Liberal Arts who are represented

at this ceremony, and staff from all divisions of the University. We thank you all for being with us this afternoon. I now call upon Doctor Hogel Smith, President of Towson University, to make his welcoming remarks.

Doctor Smith, it is a pleasure to welcome you to this commencement as members of the class of Double OI want to thank in addition to the graduates for their contributions to the University, Those who supported you in arriving at this stage.

Your parents, your friends, your husband's wives, children, partners, the wide network that you depended upon during both the moments of wonder about whether you get through and to celebrate the successes as you worked your way through.

This is one of those periods that marks transition. Transition in the continuity of your life and recognition of the change in that life. And these are themes that I think are particularly

appropriate for the College of Liberal Arts, where people live through change and sometimes seem to be overwhelmed by it. Yet I am impressed by the durability of the human being and how with an education, you can master change without losing

your sense of identity. One of my favorite buildings in Baltimore is a Baltimore and Ohio museum because it arcs marks one end of Tom Thumb's race with the horse and one end of Morris's first long distance

Telegraph message. 2 events which change forever the human beings relationship to space and time. We're no longer were we limited to the speed of a horse for

transportation or for communication. And following those technological advances, there was an explosion across this continent. As we use these new technologies to change the way we live, we

are again in one of those periods of rapid technological change in which it never seems to settle down, and indeed probably never will. It is a period in which we really need to learn to learn.

And this is what we celebrate today, that you have learned how to learn and continue learning so that you can maintain both your sense of continuity and adapt to the changing environment in which you live and of your life.

My mother was one of those liberal arts graduates in the 20s. She's now 98. She is now a licensed driver of her electrical cart during all

the transitions in her life, Born before television, radio, commercial aircraft, the widespread of automobiles, having lived through depressions and world wars, she has always adapted to the change.

But she's never lost her sense of identity and who she is. And I can wish as much for you that you have gained from your liberal arts education not only the ability to learn to do things well, but to learn to do good.

They will learn how to master in your own personal life the continuity of who you are and the changes that keep evolving who you are. One of those changes that we celebrate today.

And I charge you to use your education for the benefit of your family, your friends, your coworkers and your society, but most of all, so that you can live and examine life in which you implement the consequences of that examination so you live

a productive and joyful life. Congratulations. Thank you, Doctor Smith. I now call upon Mr.

Dominic J Laponzena, a member of thousands university Board of visitors, who will bring greetings from the Board of Visitors. Mr.

Lavanzina, thank you, Provost Jones. President Smith alerted members of the faculty, staff, family, friends, well wishers, and last but certainly not least, guests of honor.

On behalf of Towson University's Presidential Board of Visitors, I am delighted and honored to extend our best wishes to you, the members of the Towson University Class of 2000. Today, we're all here, every one of us, to celebrate your

academic achievements individually and collectively. We're also here to acknowledge the hard work, the commitment, and the perseverance that delivered each of you to the graduate seats that you're now occupying.

I think though, we almost must, also must pay tribute, as has been mentioned earlier, to your parents, your grandparents, your brothers, your sisters, your spouses, your children, your friends, and your fellow students, folks who have

supported you, encouraged you, put up with you, and yet still loved you over these years. And to this faculty and the administrators and the staff who've helped guide and inspire you in reaching this milestone

in your lives. As you walk across the stage today to receive your certificates, know that they are walking with you in spirit and in feeling their own sense of accomplishment because they've

nurtured you along your journey. You know how proud they are of you. Well, now's your chance to show them how proud you are of them. They deserve your gratitude.

They deserve your love. And I would suggest, graduates, that there's no time like the present to stand up right now. Face them in the audience and show them just how grateful you

are. You are, after all, very fortunate to have attended an institution that offers both the liberal arts education and professional preparation that is second to none.

Know that as you plan for your place in our rapidly changing world, you carry the hallmark of a Towson University education with you. The capacity to think clearly, the ability to move forward, to

have compassion, and to make a contribution to the lives of others. Under the most capable stewardship of President Hope Smith, and with the inspired commitment of our learned

faculty and talented staff, Towson University has justly earned its reputation for producing leaders in business, education, Media, Research, healthcare, and in government. You should feel a strong sense of pride in joining its alumni.

I urge you to continue to maintain your ties to Towson, which has played such a significant role in your development. We need you.

We need your input, your involvement, we need your advocacy, and we need your philanthropy. You will always be a part of this university, and it will always be a part of you.

Whatever your future holds, a profession, more schooling, or just some time to kick back and explore the possibilities, I trust that you will approach each new experience with excitement, with energy and a passion for the challenge.

As you do, you're going to find that the greater the challenge you assume, the greater your opportunity to excel and the greater your sense of satisfaction in your accomplishment.

Whatever career path you choose, I'm sure that you will find that your talents and education has prepared you not only to make a living, but also to make a difference, to measure your success not by your income, but by your impact.

Remember that your life values and your goals are measured by your behavior, not by your words. Do what you love. Invest in lifelong learning, develop a broad perspective and

learn to unlearn. Have a well thought out plan. Remember, it's difficult to reach a destination if you don't have one.

When attempting something new, expect a learning curve, but be patient. Be resilient, be persistent. Anything worth doing is even worth doing poorly at first.

Be prepared for failure. Mark Twain once said that success is going from failure to failure. With great enthusiasm, go for those small wins, the small

successes that build upon each other and create momentum toward achieving the long range goals. Assume the change is constant. Be adept at managing transitions in your life.

Look at problems as the opportunities. Tolerate ambiguity. Be flexible, maintain your sense of humor, and don't take yourself too seriously.

Nobody else does. Well, I would submit. Just look around you today. Look how many people who care the most about you are recording

this event, as serious, auspicious and all gust as you believe it is, on a disposable camera that cost 8 bucks and comes in a cardboard box. Have some patience, faith and have courage.

Remember, the courage is not the absence of fear, but the management of it. And finally, I want to share one last thing with you. Remember that despite a new academic degree and a Towson

University diploma that carries your name, your bosses, Co workers, subordinates, clients, customers, friends and perhaps most importantly, those less fortunate in your community who need your help, none of them, none of them will care how much

you know until they know how much you care. On behalf of the Board of Visitors, I say again how proud we are of you and of this institution. You have our heartfelt congratulations and our best

wishes for success in the next chapter of your lives. I hope you enjoy the rest of the day, the rest of the week, even the rest of the month, but then go out into the new Millennium and show us all just how much you care.

Carpe diem. Thank you, Mr. Love and Xena, it is now my pleasure to introduce Mr. Robert William Tinder.

Mr. Tinder is graduating with a Master of Science degree in professional writing. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in social Science in 1970

and a Master of Arts and Education in 1972. Both degrees were earned at Chapman University in California. Mr.

Tinder recently retired from a long career of the Social Security Administration, during which he worked as a manager, management analyst, an audit manager and a program manager, and he's the last assignment of Social Security.

While a student in the professional writing program at Towson, Mr. Tinder designed and conducted a national public relations and training outreach to business and the payroll communities.

His activities earned him national recognition and a Golden Hammer Award for innovation from the Vice President's National Performance Review. Now in a second career, Mr.

Tinder is working in a variety of areas. He is a communication consultant and a grant proposal writer. He teaches communication courses for the Community College of Baltimore County, and he is writing articles and giving

talks about Baltimore and Maryland during the Revolutionary War. Mr. Tinder, thank you Doctor Jones, President Smith, Misses Keating,

honored guests, faculty, family and friends. It is a great honor to be asked to speak at this graduation ceremony and to share with you a few thoughts on what my experience at Towson University has meant to me.

My experience can be summed up by the feelings I have on this day. These feelings are probably similar to the feelings of every graduate.

If I had to label these feelings, I would say they were a mixture of three different emotions. First, intense joy at having accomplished a goal for having completed a long journey.

Next, a touch of sadness and finally a feeling of gratitude. First, the joy and even relief at the end of the journey. My graduate studies at Towson made it possible for me to change careers.

I think they call it reengineering or reinventing yourself. I'm using what I learned in the Professional Writing program. I'm now doing a variety of things that involve writing and

teaching. In my first career, which lasted 29 years, I was attracted like a magnet to positions that involved writing. Yet I never considered myself to be a writer.

Being a writer was something I thought about, but it was always something I would do in the future someday. The desire was there. What I needed was an environment in which I could explore what it

meant to be a writer. I found that environment in the writing program. That environment reminded me of something written in the early 1960s by Earl Nightingale.

Nightingale claimed that he had made a great discovery. After years of researching the major philosophies and religions of the world, he reached a conclusion that he expressed in a sentence of 6 words.

It is this. People become what they think about. Now that could be a frightening thought, but it's also a powerful and positive thought.

What Nightingale called his great discovery is simply the power of single minded effort. People become what they think about. Prior to entering the writing program, I didn't know how a

writer thought. But I soon found out how writers throughout history have thought and written. We studied classical rhetoric, modern rhetoric, the historical

development of prose style, expository writing, and the creative process. And if those topics weren't enough, we then studied rhetorical grammar.

For several years. We were immersed in writing. We learned to think and research and write as writers. We learned an array of writing styles.

Corporate communications, consulting, writing in the profit and nonprofit sectors, grant proposal writing, writing fiction, writing for the mass media, historical nonfiction, editing and teaching, college level writing to name only a

few. We did a lot of writing through single minded effort. People become what they think about. Aristotle put it another way, he said.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is a habit. During our journey through the writing program, the teachers and the coursework and the assignments and projects

encouraged each of us to develop solid writing habits and to strive for excellence. Now that the program is completed, I feel a sense of joy, a sense of relief, and a sense of accomplishment.

But I have to admit that I feel a certain sadness that the journey is over. For most of us part time students, being in Graduate School meant balancing coursework with other

commitments, commitments to family and careers, and other projects. At times it was difficult, even hectic, but it was an important part of our lives.

We made many friends, we shared the difficulties of the courses, we encourage each other through lengthy assignments, and we so intensely pursued our goals that now that they have been reached, there is, at least for a while, a void in our lives.

We'll soon recognize that void as that rare commodity spare time. But there's also a feeling of sadness that a difficult but satisfying period of our lives is over.

The third emotion I'm feeling is a great sense of gratitude. What I learned over the last few years has enabled me to take on exciting new projects. I have opportunities I would not have had without the courses I

took in the writing program. All of us graduating today have reached our goals through a lot of hard work, through single minded effort over several years.

But we had help in the writing program. We had the help of structured but flexible coursework concentrations. We also had the help of many dedicated teachers.

They shared their expertise and guided us in gaining some expertise of our own. But beyond what I learned about writing theory and tech technique, I gained something else.

I learned what it means to be a writer, to think like a writer. Recently, I came across a little book of inspiration for writers by Lynn. Sure, it's entitled 1 Continuous Mistake.

I'd like to share with you what she calls for Noble Truths for writers. These noble truths are one, writers write, 2 writing is a process, three, you don't know what your writing will be until

the end of the process, and four, if writing is your practice, the only way to fail is to not write. When I first read these ideas, I felt that I had already been taught them.

In course after course, I noticed that these 4 Noble Truths seem to reside at the heart of the professional writing program. Whether by design or by accident, it is these truths

that the teachers in the program convey to their students. We are what we repeatedly do. To be a writer, you must write. In learning about writing, you discover that it is a process.

A process that involves structure and mechanics, but also one that requires creativity. As you write and rewrite and rewrite again, you discover what you want to say and how to say it.

And so along with joy and relief at being finished and a touch of sadness, I also feel a sense of gratitude for having been able to participate in a very special program. I would like to say to those who designed the writing program and

to those who teach it so well, thank you. Thank you for your help, thank you for your hard work, and thank you for your encouragement. Finally, to my fellow graduates, I would like to offer you my

congratulations on your accomplishments. I know that you share my feeling of gratitude to all those who helped us reach our goals. I suspect that you also feel a bit of sadness in leaving Towson

University, in leaving the teachers and friends you made over the years. And I can tell by your faces that you too feel joy as well as relief that this journey has ended.

But the completion of this journey only marks the beginning of another, a journey of lifetime exploration and learning. As you embark on your new journey, I wish you good health,

much success and happiness, and Godspeed. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Tinder.

At this time, I would like to call upon Brian Thaler, Treasurer of the Towson University Alumni Association. He will give remarks to the Class of 2000. Members of the Class of 2000.

I bring you greetings on behalf of more than 80, excuse me, 85,000 alumni who have preceded you walking across this stage some decades ago, some only a few months ago, most of us somewhere in between.

Perhaps more than any other group, we alumni are uniquely able to understand and appreciate this moment and the years of hard work, research, testing, dedication and intellectual rigor that went into it.

Not to mention the equally arduous challenges of actually getting registered in the right classes and finding parking places on campus. We salute you for your perseverance in all of these

undertakings. And just as we congratulate you and honor your achievements, I also want to join with you in the honoring and thanking of the parents, spouses, family members, and friends who made

your achievements possible through their financial, moral, and emotional support. Join with me and thank you, ma'am. Having preceded you across this stage, we alumni know something

of what lies ahead. Jobs. Yes, parents, they will get jobs. The reality that your hard work here will be get more and harder

work and untimely realization by you that the time you had here was very good indeed and perhaps fewer opportunities than you have had here to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Something it once high minded, challenging and fun.

Whatever your experiences may be, wherever you go, whatever you do, I urge you to hold on to the best parts of what you have here. Towson's interest in you does not end today, and your

participation in the Townsend community need not end today. Indeed, today you become a member of our Townsend University Alumni Association. We are lawyers, teachers, actors, TV anchors, business

leaders, government officials, and healthcare providers, to name just a few. We live in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Europe, Asia, and everywhere in between.

We are proud of each other as we are proud of you, and we are proud of our association with Towson University. We know that one another's achievements, the achievements of future students, and the successes of Towson University

enhance the value of our degrees and benefit all of us. So welcome to the Alumni Association. You will be hearing about its programs, events and committees in the near future through our publications and mailings.

We hope that you will use the Association and it's many programs, chapters and events to stay in touch and connected not only with each other, the faculty members, administration and the next generation of students.

We want to keep you informed about what they are doing and we want to know what you are doing. As alumni, we are enriched by each other's achievements and by Towson's.

We are a family. Continue to count on us and we will count on you. Come back and share your successes with us. Congratulations.

Welcome. Stay in touch. You will always be family at Telson. Thank you.

Mr. Taylor. The honorary degree is awarded to a member of the Academy who has made a significant contribution to higher education

or a member of the business community who has made a notable contribution to the University, for a member of the local community who has been recognized as a major contributor to the welfare of that community.

The award of the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters results from a rigorous selection process in which one person is selected and recommended by University Committee. The recommendation is forwarded to the Chancellor of the

University System of Maryland and then voted on by the Board of Regents. Doctor Smith. I have the honor of presenting Mrs.

Susan C Keating, a candidate for the honorary degree, the Doctor of Humane Letters. Susan C Keating Through your diligence and leadership, you have risen to the top of one of the region's leading financial

service companies, Your position as President and Chief Executive Officer of All First Financial Incorporated. You are responsible for the corporate, retail, trust, insurance and investment activities, as well as the

marketing, operations, information technology and compliance of an $18 billion company. As Chief Executive Officer of All First Bank, you'll see approximately 6000 employees and more than 260 Brank Bank

branches. You began your banking career in 1974 as a trainee at the First Bank System in Milwaukee, WI. You dedicated yourself to learning about banking and were

promoted to Senior Vice President of Retail Banking in 1988. You joined MNC Financial, now Bank of America, and became Executive Vice President in charge of Commercial and Retail

banking in 1991. In 1993, when banks when Nations Bank, now Bank of America, acquired MNC, you served as president and senior banking executive for Maryland, responsible for retail banking

in the Mid-Atlantic region. You joined First Maryland Bancorp, now known as All First, in 1996 as an executive vice president to head retail banking.

In 1997, you were named president and Chief Operating Officer of the Pennsylvania franchise, and in January 1999, you were appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of All First Financial, Inc and All First Bank.

You began your present tenure as president and CEO of All First in January 2000. However, your many achievements are not limited to the business world.

You have served as Co chair of the Governor's Economic Development Policy Committee in Maryland and as board member of the Empower Baltimore Management Corporation, the Maryland Business Council, Union Memorial Hospital, the University of

Maryland Shock Trauma Center, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Saint Paul School for Girls, and the B&O Railroad Museum. You also currently serve as a trustee for the York College of Pennsylvania, board member of the Baltimore Life Insurance

Companies, and member of the Fannie Mae 2002 Thousand and One National Advisory Committee. Of your many honors and awards, two of the most recent are your recognition as one of the Top 100 Professional Women in

Maryland and one of Pennsylvania's 50 Best Women. You are a member of the Council of 100, a select group of professional women graduates of Northwestern University. At Northwestern University in Chicago, you receive your degree

in English Literature before moving into the world of banking and finance. As a highly successful liberal arts graduate, you are living proof that an education and liberal arts can equip the

students for success in any area. This is skating. In recognition of your single minded dedication to bring you the best to your customers, your employees and your community,

and also in recognition of the outstanding example that you provide to liberal arts graduates everywhere, It is my privilege to bestow upon you the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.

Thank you for your generous words, President Smith, and for this extraordinary honor. I'm proud to accept it as a representative of all First Financial, certainly, but also as an ardent believer in the

bright palette of possibilities awaiting liberal arts graduates. Your future stretch before you with a tantalizing array of opportunities, possibilities, and delicious uncertainties. As a former English major who ended up running a Bank of all

things, I'm entitled to such bold speculation. Even though your official status is ending today, I hope you'll retain the mindset of students throughout your lives. Always challenged by your curiosity, always yearning to

understand. We anticipate that yours are the minds that will remain forever open to the constant rush of change that's already marked our new century.

In turn, life will reward you with plot twist so grand and surprising you need only set your alarm clock and rise to each day's mystery in a matter of minutes. You must send this stage a student and depart an esteemed

graduate of the Towson University Class of 2000. It's a congratulations. It's a momentous walk from there to here, one that symbolizes your transformation from the freshman or beginning grad

students you were into the celebrated guests of honor that you are today. Along the way, you've discovered how deep your well of character, talent and ability runs.

As your first tentative steps became confidence strides, your questions became quests, Your dreams became destinations. As you travel the length of this stage, think about how much you've changed since you arrived at Tausa, how much everything

has changed. Technology, for one, has roared to levels none of us could have predicted even a few years ago. Monthly, daily, even hourly change is the one constant.

Even our grandparents probably e-mail now and delight in forwarding you attachments from their Leisure World cronies. I look back on my own banking career remembering it began during the dinosaur days of the huge mainframe computers housed

in climate controlled sanctums. Yes, that is my vintage and it seems unreal to realize that the concept of personal computers didn't even exist 1/4 century ago.

Surfing meant going to Malibu to hang 10 like The Beach Boys spam filled sandwiches, not e-mail boxes. Ironic, isn't it, how personal computing has ballooned into this incredible force that seems to be depersonalizing our

society in so many ways. e-mail e-commerce, E trading. Are we approaching the point where enough is enough? The Internet has wired the core of human experience

relationships, those between faculty and students, between businesses and customers, between parents and children. Moms who used to mail care packages to their kids at college now send animated greeting cards online.

Cookies used to be what we ate after school with milk, not trackers of our every interest and online moves. Our minds may be enamored with all that is high tech, but our hearts still tug towards the high touch.

And just as mind and heart together make us whole, so high tech and high touch inform and enrich each other. Quizzically. We have technology to thank for heightening our all 2 human

impulses. We own DVD's yet thronged to movie theaters to experience emotion among strangers. We buy books alone through Amazon.com, yet lingering

bookstores on Saturday to see and feel the words that touch our senses. Our kitchens boast espresso beans and machines, yet we lounge and coffee houses, savoring the caffeinated sip and

talk. Civilization. More than ever, we want to connect, to interact, to perceive, to feel and share with each other, even though we have

the whole world at our fingertips. It's a big need, this need to connect at all first. We call it the power of the human connection because we've recognized that for all its might, technology can't smile.

Shake your hand or produce anything like the thrill that comes on a day like today, when you put on your graduation robe, enter an auditorium to the strains of pomp and circumstance, spot your beaming family, and gulp as you realize

this is all for you. Because in joy, we've come together to realize your singular accomplishment, to praise the fact that you've used your power and determination to learn, to grow, to achieve the

successful fruition of which has brought you to this place, this day. Because this day, this tradition, this ceremony celebrates the power of the human dimension and what it can

accomplish. Yet with that power comes responsibility. Your time at Towson has seen more than one example. How even technology still demand depends on the human dimension.

A few weeks ago, a couple of college students sent the Love Bug computer virus around the world with unbelievable force, bringing businesses, institutions, even governments to a crippled halt.

How long did it take this virus to sweep through the entire world? A mere 2 hours. Our human vision and talent has created a force both spectacular

and terrifying in terms of its potential for good or evil. People rely on technology. A second example. Millennium hype aside, January 1st, 2000 felt and functioned

amazingly like December 31st, 1999, but only because billions of dollars were spent to correct human oversight. Y2K was a decades old blunder made by technicians seeking to save computer memory and oddly, money with no mind to future

consequences. Technology relies on people. Foresight can be a frightening exercise and what it can take and what it can do and take decades for the results to come

in. Who could have predicted that the economy would continue to Stampede higher and higher during your Towson years? On the upper floors of finance, where I work, no one expected

Wall Street's hyper run to spill so far into the 21st century. Perhaps we've seen a correction. But where will that take us, and for how long? Uncertainty reigns.

You've been privileged to pursue your studies during a period of tremendous national prosperity and prospects. Unemployment is the lowest it's been since the 1950s. As a result, an expectant and warm welcome awaits your

entrance into the job market. Your choices will be legion. You'll be able to pick and choose which job, in which city, at which salary.

A luxury and a lovely joyed by no graduating class before you. So now here you are, graduating into a society that's flushed with opportunity and abundance, into an existence that's probably much too dependent on the microchip.

Got your iMac or Palm Pilot? Check. Got your cell phone? Check.

Got your diploma? Let's assume that's a check, But what else do you need? What are the SuccessFactors from the old economy that still work in the new one?

Trust me, there are some. First of all, let your vision lead you. Take your vision and your commitment to your every endeavor, personal and professional.

Make passion and intellectual stamina the keys to success of everything you do an attempt. Most of all, be courageous and willing to take the big step. Sometimes you'll only have a moment to make a choice, take a

chance, risk failure, or achieve success beyond your dreams. Reach out and embrace that chance when it comes to you. If only living happily ever after were as simple as collecting a paycheck and downloading files from

contentment.com. Thankfully, it isn't. If only the new economy, we're guaranteed to last forever. Honestly, it probably won't.

The ups and downs of life, just like the stock market, will forever fluctuate. If only there were some guarantees. But what we do know is that even in this fast-paced, fast moving

world of opportunity, we make our own futures. Take it from someone who's not your mother, but could be. Take it from someone who survived in the business world 25 years.

Take it from someone who is honored to be a part of the Towson community. This is what's for sure. There is no relying on the world out there, but you can rely on

yourself. In some ways. The sameness of life continues. Summer will still follow spring.

Monday mornings will come too quickly, and before you know it, Towson will actually tap you to contribute to its next capital campaign. But the winds of change are blasting in directions as yet

undetected, into economies we can't possibly envision. They're scattering notions of security once held sacred. But one thing is for sure, what you possess in here and in here, You, as liberal arts graduates, as products of the 21st century,

are perfectly programmed for what lies ahead because you Orient from within. Whatever you do, wherever you go, however you live, it's the whoever you are that will determine your destiny.

And if there's greatness and individual conviction, imagine the glory that can be had when confident, focused individuals join together, forming communities like the one you've experienced to tell some these last handful of years.

The world isn't changing independent of human involvement. It's changing because people like you realize that individual strength shines all the brighter when multiplied many times over.

Think of your life as a website of your own design. It will be interactive, drawing others in, exchanging ideas and ideals. It will feature ever changing content, rich in substance and

appeal. It will link to fascinating people and places. Contentment.com will be yours to not only visit, but to live. Now.

Off you go. You're out there starting now. And Ioffer, each and everyone of you, my heartfelt congratulations.

Thank you. Thank you. Missus Keating. We have now come to the central purpose of this ceremony, the

conferring of the degrees to help the audience understand the order of the procession. I should explain that the university is organized into eight colleges whose banners, along with that of the Honors

College, are displayed on the stage. This afternoon we have students graduating from the College of Liberal Arts and the Graduate College of Graduate Education and Research.

The chief academic officer of the college is the Dean. Today we have interim Dean Beverly Leach and acting Dean Stephen Collier in attendance. May I ask each member of the audience to please limit your

applause and shouts for the graduate out of respect to the graduate immediately following, whose family and friends also have actually awaited their moment? And let's think about that request for a minute.

I'm from the Liberal Arts Two, an English major. Years ago, I knew the liberal arts graduate who liked to follow the rules. I have your number, and I have the number of parents who

produce liberalized majors. So the most that I can hope for is that you will make an effort to suppress your desire to be rowdy so that the ceremony can move forward with some dignity.

Modest decorum out of the pace that will bring us out of here before 10:00 PM. After President Smith has confirmed the degrees, the graduates will come forward to receive their gift from the

Towson University Alumni Association presented by President Smith. Students receiving Latin honors will have them announced after their names.

To receive a degree with honors, students must have completed 60 credits of undergraduate work at Towson University with the following cumulative quality point average 3.75 to 4.0 Sumu cum laude, 3.55 to 3.74 Magna cum laude, 3.4 O to 3.54 cum

laude that you may find your particular graduate in the procession. Let me explain that within each college participating this ceremony, graduates will be listed and assembled according

to their department or program. Graduates will please follow the instructions of the marshals. After you've received your gift from President Smith, follow across the stage, receive congratulations from the Dean of

your college, and return to your seat. Or you may be seated and then begin to wonder if you've chosen the wrong major. On a more serious note, will the candidates to the Master's

degree please stand? Doctor Smith. On recommendation the faculty, I am honored to present those students who have completed all requirements for the degrees of

Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Education, Master of Music, or Master of Science candidates for graduate degrees. You have shown your determination to develop your

talents and sharpen your skills. Yours is now the responsibility to apply these capabilities to the surface of humanity. This that is your charge is by the authority vested in me by

the Board of Regents and the State of Maryland. I confer upon you the degree recommended with all the honors, rights, privileges and responsibilities pertaining thereto.

Congratulations. Will the master's degree recipients please come forward now to receive your Alumni association gift? Good afternoon.

My name is Chris Blake. I'm the associate Dean of the College of Graduate Education and Research. Students will be greeted by Doctor Stephen Collier, Dean of

the College. Dean and I would like to extend our congratulations and good wishes for the future of Graduate School students. Robert, William.

Tinder, Elaine Christine Gassed, James Montford Berry, Thomas. Richard Oakes, Estelle Bouchard, Latasha Fazette Brooks Oh A Lapa Fung Fong Sharon Veronica Gardner Taylor, Daniel Lopez Gibson, Elizabeth Elias Kaufman, Kelly Marie Lascola, Mavis Jean

Lawson, Lisa Rochelle Lewis, Yolinda Leon's Owens, Paula A McGee, Dara Sandusky, Melissa Terry Carla Michelle Walton, Yolanda Whiting Laurie Jean Dittmar Nicole Elise Drea Elizabeth A Millman, Keisha Monet Aaron Antonio Toscano,

Towanda Williams, Freda Ann Davis, Shannon Darlene Howard, Heather A Joel Lisa Nicole Jefferson, Deborah Ann Maurier Kid Colt, Martha A Rickett, Leia Gersh Elian Shifra Porath, Christa Lynn Drury, Regina Got US Talent.

Jennifer Yost Spychalski, Helen S Ku, Melinda Lynn Cordero, Whitney Lynn Irvin, Tammy Maya Jones, April N Zareki, Michael Mota, Kevin Scott Crook J Brian Roman, Jessica Lynn Braido, Stephanie Lauriana Coyne, Denise Lynette Hamlin, Robin Marley

Stoops, Jesse Tyson, Unguard, Lisa Lynn Masuda and Maria Victoria Santoro. That concludes students of the Graduate School. Will the candidates for bachelor's degrees please stand.

Doctor Smith, on recommendation of the faculty, I have the honor of presenting to you those students who completed all requirements for the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, or Bachelor of Science.

By the authority vested in me by the Board of Regents and the State of Maryland, I confer upon you the degree recommended with all the honors, rights and privileges pertaining thereto. As a symbol of your new status, please move the Mortar Board

tassel from the right to the left. Congratulations. You may be seated until your Marshall directs you to come forward to receive your Alumni Association gift.

Hello. I'm Carl Bam, associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. May I introduce to my right doctor, Beverly Leach, the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, who will greet each of you as

you cross the stage. Amy Catherine Colar, Magna cum laude. Alexa Marie Akim, cum laude. Julio Feliz, ACUS Honors College Magna cum laude Kevin Michael

Baker Janet M Benton Honors College Honors in English, Summa cum laude Jessica Lynn Bunellis. Janine Michelle Brainer, cum Laude. Heather Elizabeth Buckingham, cum Laude.

James David. Carpenter, Jodie. Jodie Lee Chilcoat cum Laude. Karen, Joanne Coyne, Jennifer Ansaric, Brian Michael Dawson,

Lee M Donaldson, Lauren and Doyle. Honors in English Rebecca A Fascher, Magna cum laude. Peter Frank Fallardo, Christina Marie Gentry, Rachel Amber Hall, Megan Marie Hunt, Kirsten Danielle Kleinman, Michael James

Conowitz, Jennifer Kristen Lewis, Christina and Marley Magna cum Laude. Tammy Nicole Mays, Elizabeth Ann Mihalic Sarah Kate Miles, Honors College, Magna cum Laude.

Sandra Lee, Morph Aaron E Murphy Honors College, Magna cum laude. Molly Christina O'Donnell, cum laude. Estelle Willow Petree cum Laude Daniel Todd per Year Robert David Rudman, Allison L Rudolph, Scott Kelly Satchel Martin,

Andrew Schneider Summa cum Laude. Christopher Dean Smith, Misty Smith, Nancy Elizabeth Stancil, Katie Elaine Thomas Honors College summa cum Laude. Amanda Corey Woodrow, Lakeisha Williams, Jessica Dawn Woodard,

Karen Ann Zimmer, Heather Lee Gansman Honors College Summa cum Laude. Christina Marie Johns, Brian Michael Abel Jeffrey James Bachman Ryan Joseph Bagley, Jonathan Ruppley Bar Donald

Bruce Klein Dingst Second Jonathan David Garner, Shayna Chiron Hesslinger Nicholas Ryan Haynes My Eco Camioca Come Loudy, Renee and Carpin Ryan Francis Wetzel Ladbush Shannon Michelle Lowe cum Loudy Jill Margaret McDowell, Andrew Paul

Mirren, Rebecca and Miller, Jill Lynn Rapchinski, Catherine Lee Shelter Keith Ryan Smith, Julie Ann Spangler cum Laude. Karina Ramona Batty, Jeffrey Allen Boyer, Magna cum laude. Christine Neuendorf, Dana Kylene Fillers, Christina Marie Flynn,

Magna cum laude. Bridget Megan Harthausen, Amber Danielle Hayes, Kristen Denise Shimbaino, Mary Allison Caudle, Jacob Garbia, Timothy Wilson, Heartlove, Summa cum Laude.

Joshua Cable Hammer Kelly Lynn Huebner, Aaron Elizabeth Kimes Benjamin William Martin, Jason Edwin McArdle, cum Laude. Joshua Dale Moore, Summa cum Laude. Ellen Marta Mullen, Edward J Nestline Third John Steven

Olson, cum laude. Scott Gregory Osborne, Marie Kathleen Ponzillo Honors College, Magna cum laude. Ira Jamal Solomon, Stephen Keith Ragsdale, Andrew Martin Ryder,

Edwin Daniel Seidman, Christopher Michael Wagner Magna cum Laude. Mark W Andrews, Kimberly Ellen Anders, Mark Christopher Beck, Christopher Dennis Cadogan, Gregory Carlovaro Clum Loudy,

Michael John Chiari, Tara Lynn Conroy, Jessica Ann Davis, Joy Marie Kearney Summa cum Laude Richard Allen Gilroy Honors College Magna cum Laude. Also James Keller, Adam Franklin Dennington, Cynthia Kellerby,

Bernard. Teleferro Gazer, Allison Marie Burke Honors College Summa cum laude. Holly Sioux Lake.

Felicia, Diane Ferry, Nicole Nola, Hatiko, Kimberly Ellen's Slattery, Megan John's Shoot. Mark William Lazaro, Michael Alexander Lisi, Meredith Mccomas, The Queer Summa cum Laude.

Deborah Lynn Lewis, Michael C Morrissey, Jonathan Ronald Shemitas, Angie Marie Simpson and Louise Sneed. Gabrielle Weller, Jessica Rose Westcott Magna cum Laude, Karen and Wilkie, Miriam, Jennifer Wishnik, Kylie and Kadeem Allen.

Ed Vig Desby, Amanda Elizabeth Flynn, Miriam P For Mika Miranda Lee Hogue Young Fang Low cum Laude. Tracy Lynn Steven, Summa cum Laude. Mickey to Rocky Donald Ryan Werner Leonard Raiden Parrish,

Kenneth Owen Porter, Matthew Walter Sanderson, Summa cum Laude. Rodney Daniel Sumo Honors College, summa cum laude. Carlita Marie Buckman, Angela Marie Alexander Honors College,

summa cum Laude Rachel Leah Brandwine Honors College, Summa cum Laude Christina Swadish Britain Honors College, Summa cum laude. David Van Holland Chess No.

Zachary Michael De Waters, Laura Noel Sick Honors College Magna cum Laude Christopher Scott Gunderson Kirk Edward Hoobler, Summa cum Laude. Jenna Claire Burin, Johnny Robert Mann, Joseph Ryan

Mondell, Catherine Samantha Nastro. Kirsten Marie Neville Laudie Jeffrey J Searles Vetland Christabel Victor Ellen Elizabeth Ward, Ronald David Roche Honors College, Summa cum Laude Jennifer Burke Wellman

Honors College, Summa cum Laude Michelle Lynn Aldridge, Mark Anthony Allen, cum Laude. Amy Ayeni Danielle Therese Baird, Jenny Rebecca Baker, Katrina and Baker, Sharon and Barkhauser Magna cum Laude.

Aaron Elizabeth Backdoorf cum laude. Linda J Beads Mcalali, The Kelly Taiyati Rose Benjamin Kellyanne Burkhiser, David Bruce Berman, Timothy Francis Bebo Junior Honors College Magna cum Laude Shannon Michelle Beerly, Jessica

and Bishop Rochelle Hall, John Marie Borne Heimer, Alicia Kyla Brewster, Amy Lynn Brooks, Summa cum Laude. Denise Ford Brown, Peter William Burkeite Christine Michelle Wano Jamie Lynn Bird Jennifer Christine Kappa, Magna cum

Laude. Gloria LR Coats, Kristen and Colburn, Brian Matthew Coleman, Catherine Shannon Considine cum laude. Bridget Kathleen Cronin, Honors in Psychology, summa cum laude.

Jamie Lynn Searer, Danny J Darney, Magna cum Laude. Amy Cole Dawson, Joseph Anthony DeSantis, Jean Bayard, Walt Third Linnea, Melissa Doggett, Emmanuel Gregory Dorrescott Jewel, Valerie Dunlap, Heather Cecilia Edmonds, Christina

Michelle Esposito, Elizabeth Ann Flanagan, Lori Ann Fisher. Come Loudy, Jamie Charles. Fewer Heard Juliana Garcia, Magna cum laude. Carrie Lynn Geisbert, Deborah Ann Grable, Randy Allen Gross

Kim Tien Ha Summa cum Laude. Honor Spalet Susan Kathleen Hopkins Zeared Hosseini, Kevin Scott Palma Sharon Marie Huseman, Magna cum Laude. Edgar A Salinas, cum Laude.

Michelle Angela Kits Summa cum Laude. Jennifer Danielle Dipietro, Magna cum laude. Carl Bradley Boucher, summa cum laude. Leslie Ann Brown, summa cum laude.

Andrea Renee Donahue, summa cum laude. Gabrielle and Rez Bella Gamba cum laude. Marcelino Ruffino Vicente Junior Karen Abital, summa cum laude. Saul Jared Friedman, cum laude.

Aubrey, Teresa Chartel, Summa cum Laude. Valencia, Lynette Carroll Honors College, cum Laude Lamont, Danielle. Hudson, Brooke, Alexandra Hampton, Nicole Claire Ikeno,

Saskia, Michael Inwood, Kate Elizabeth Irwin and Blair, Tamika. Jackson, Joanne. Burnt Jenkins, Summa cum Laude.

Patricia, Michelle Jones, Laura. Marie Cahoe, Andrea Elizabeth Kinnaw, Kenny Beth Lasher, Melissa Elizabeth Landis, Helena Kirsten Larson, Natasha Nicole Levine, Michelle E Lewis, cum laude.

Scott Andrew Lyons, cum laude. Natalie Perdomo Makar, Joanna Joy Marcus, Justin Martin Massey cum laude Hane Matsura, Lauren M May, Melissa A Mazeski cum Laude.

Daniela Mazzarino, Brian Christopher McGuire cum Laude Jessica Catherine Mayor Wanda Ann Miller Machi Deniso, Echolisia Molefi, Dina Brooke Grammadzen, Alastair Meredith Moore, La Donna Lynn Mullen, Heather Marie Mundy Lacey Ann

Murphy, Mary Elizabeth Murtha Nazi Nafis, Tomomi Nagayura, Carrie and Nelson Ting. Tien Nguyen, Claire Knoll, cum Laude. Julie Lynn Ono, Eric Michael Olson, Muhammad Ku So Oshita

Cassidy, Michelle Palmer, Julie Sarah Paper, Michelle Victoria Pancal Honors College Summa cum Laude. Heather Joy, Lydia Valentine Powell, Deborah and Kuhak, Summa cum Laude.

Joyce and Pisic, Jason S Reap, Laura Paul, Rachel Vega Wren, Jennifer Nicole Rogers, Dana Beth Rosen, Emily. Kinnaired Rutherford cum Laude. Heather Marie Sapp, Michael David Sklar Honors in

Psychology, Magna cum Laude. John Joseph's Balkowski, Trista Dental Spicer, Avent, Beth and Steiger, Erica Raquel Steinhorn, Colleen E Stern, cum Laude. Christie Marie Steinbaugh, Emily Cecilia Sutton Marche Patrice

Taylor, Marie M Tedro, Christie Terrell, Sharon Townsend, Tamika Michelle Tucker, Megan Marie Toy, Karen Suzanne Unger, Marc Richard They You Amy Lee Walters, Justin Kerr Warner Dina Marie Waski, Pamela Lydia Whisman, Christina GAIL Welty

cum Laude Natalie Marie West, Lauren Renee Zito cum Laude Jessica Lee with Zurich Victoria Lynn Wilkerson cum Loudy, Kimberly Nicole Witherspoon Martin Noah Martin Walner, Nicole Yakis.

Catherine Elizabeth Zanger, summa cum laude. Michelle Ziner, Melinda Joy Wallow, Mary Elizabeth Burton, Angela Marie Buseni, Jacqueline, Monica Byrd, Jennifer and Chomko Brooke Clifton, Gregory, Stephen.

Conklin, Gregory, James Crossland, Julie and Ice Wert Honors College cum Laude. Michael Vincent Flynn, Lisa. Antoinette Harris, Stephen.

Adam Hefter, Jamie. Spring Hofstein, Heather. Suzanne Kalish Scott Joseph Leader, Justin Forrest Miles Kiana Capri Laws, Cheryl Ann Morrow, Jennifer Joan Mcgurn,

Christie and Bizdek, Joshua David Miller, Clem Loudy, Kelly Lynn Moore, Lindsay Victoria Ruth Moss Honors College cum Laude. Rachel Marie Nichols, Steven Ralph Petco Christopher Matthew

Provenzano, Brian Thomas, Sever Ellen and Shapiro, My Isha Michelle Tate, Michael Joseph Velabeck, Dana Diane Wargo, Jeanette Renee West, Jessica Dina Wittenstein, Susan Ashley Renner Dorit, Maya Zavilli, Andrew Philip Blum, Pamela

Grinnell Crowder, Tracy Lynn Gilbert, Rebecca Lynn Jones, Nikki Marie Kariakos cum Laude. Jesse William Matthews, Elizabeth and Nehru Dane Joseph Snapko Junior, Emily Catherine Werner, Julie Renee Winters,

Christine Nicole Byenbach, Francis Marie Furtado, Jamie Lee Harmon, Jennifer Janine Jones, Stephanie Michelle Canals. Summa cum Laude. Veronica Alejandra Montoro, cum Laude.

Divya Nayar, Victoria Eugenia San Pedro, Magna cum Laude. Darryl Thomas Shepherd, Jessica Sweeney, Honors College cum Laude. Jennifer Blybin, will everyone please stand and join David

Thompson, accompanied by the Towson University Brass Quintet in singing Maryland, My Maryland. You'll find the words to the state song on page 39 of the Commencement program.

My thankful Lord with rapture fills, Maryland my Maryland. When I behold thy rolling hills, Maryland my Maryland, I love your rocks and rippling rills, your waterways where beauty spills, and nature holds a thousand thrills, Maryland my

Maryland. I love thy vistas on the Bay, Maryland my Maryland, the scent of rose and new-mown hay, Maryland my Maryland Where people love their work and play, where hopes are high and

hearts are gay. Long may thy noble laws hold sway, Maryland my Maryland. On behalf of the faculty, let me say thanks to each one of you. Your time here has made our lives in the university much

richer. Congratulations and best wishes to each of you. And you were unusually well behaved. Don't worry about that.

Doctor Smith, his party and the faculty will begin. The recessional graduates should remain standing and follow the instructions of the student marshals. I would ask the members of the audience be seated until Doctor

Smith, his party, the faculty and the graduates have left the auditorium. Graduates may then join their guests on the patio. I will remember you, will you remember

me? Don't let your love pass you by. Weep not for memory.