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Messages encourage graduates at second commencement
May 8, 2006
Students from Ave Maria University's second graduating class benefited from the wisdom and experience of Pro-Life Activist Joseph Scheidler, this year's keynote speaker, Saturday, May 6, in Stella Maris Chapel. Scheidler joined four other esteemed speakers in addressing the class of 2006, which included 36 candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree, nine candidates for the Master of Arts in Exceptional Education degree, one candidate for the Master of Theological Studies degree, and eight candidates for the Master of Arts in Theology degree.
Prior to Scheidler's talk Professor Joseph Pearce offered remarks on behalf of the faculty. The graduating students selected him as the faculty representative to speak to them in summary of their formative college years. It was the graduating students' idea to begin a tradition of having a faculty member address the graduating class in this manner, and Pearce, AMU's writer-in-residence and an associate professor of literature, spoke of the connections that the students have made not only with people during their college careers, but of the connections with wisdom and understanding that the secular world does not possess. Pearce suggested at the end of his presentation that the graduates are about to embark on the most important quest of all - to go forth and win souls for Christ.
Valedictorian Su Li Lee, Penang, Malaysia, graduated with degrees in Biology and Philosophy and minors in Classics and Chemistry. In her speech, she expressed how difficult it is to speak both to and in representation of her graduating class, but she spoke of the true love she and her classmates wish to model as they go out into the world.
Following the conferral of the honorary degree Doctor of Laws honoris causa, Philanthropist and AMU Board of Trustees Member John F. Donahue spoke of the pride he feels at being associated with the university.
After receiving his honorary degree Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, Pro-Life Activist Joseph M. Scheidler took the podium in what he called a reversal of roles. He announced that he typically attends commencement ceremonies with a bullhorn, standing behind yellow caution tape to protest whichever pro-death activist is speaking that day. His comment drew applause and shouts of support from the students, family members, faculty and staff in attendance in the standing room only chapel Saturday afternoon. In fact, his speech, which he presented from both his own notes and those of his wife Ann, was often interrupted by applause as he discussed with the graduates in an easy, encouraging style how he has overcome his trials and tribulations in the Pro-Life movement with the aid of God's Grace.
When it was Thomas S. Monaghan's turn to speak, his closing remarks reminded the students that their mission is simply to honor God in their daily lives. He challenged them to pray the rosary each day.