People are still talking about the terrorist attacks of September 11. Over the past five months, we've "heard about the working heroes like fire fighters and police," said freshman Karen Fry. Now, Washington College wants to honor the philanthropists and diplomats who have been chaging our world views.
Saturday's convocation ceremony honored R.E. "Ted" Turner and Richard C. Holbrooke, two individuals who have been making a difference in the world.
Both Turner and Holbrooke recieved honorary degrees.
Convocation is "a program held in honor of our founder, George Washington, honoring people who embody the ideas he stood for," said President John Toll.
Capital Brass musicians preformed a few selections while the crowd filed in to Tawes Theatre. Everyone stood for the academic procession consisting of distinguished professors, guests and administrators dressed in academic robes.
Reverend Vincent Hynson gave the Invocation to begin the speeches. "Let us all join together as Washington College, the United States and the world to be grateful for all those things we cannot explain."
President Toll gave the welcome speech expressing how the two honorees were carrying out a great service to the world. "I think it is an appropriate program held to honor our sponsor and founder, George Washington. He brought our country together in a time when the states were communicating less than the countries are today. If he was alive today, I believe he would be working to improve and strengthen the UN [United Nations] like our two speakers have been doing. Richard Holbrooke is our ambassador to the UN and Ted Turner is the founder of influential programs like CNN. Turner also gave 1 billion dollars in order to improve and strengthen the UN," said Toll.
The next speech was made by the Board of Visitors and Governors Chairman Jack Griswold. "Greetings. That is my full presentation at this point," said Griswold.
The program continued with newly appointed SGA President , Ross Radish. He welcomed the guests on behalf of the student body and commended them on their work to improve society and humanity. He went on to say, "[WC] has a gift even as an isolated school. It forces us to be a community. We look out for one another. Its our duty to take our ideas of caring and giving outside the [WC] bubble."
The ceremony proceeded with the conferring of honorary degrees.
The Mandamus was read by Chairman Griswold. "We proceed to honor the very best and most influential men in America. They are role models like George Washington was. They have shown that money is a powerful tool that can shape social policies and change the world," said Griswold.
The Degree Doctor of Laws was conferred on both men. Turner's honor was in gratitude for worldwide philanthropy and service.
Turner said of his award, "I'm honored to receive this degree and be honored along with Mr. Holbrooke."
Turner said that before the creation of his news station, CNN,the three major problems facing the world, at that time, were the threat of nuclear war, the rapid global population growth and resource abuse fueled by over-consumption of affluent nations.
"I've been trying to correct these problems all my life. We are a rich and powerful nation and leaders of the free world. We should be leading the world towards solving these problems," said Turner.
He addressed the importance of continued US support of the UN, his disappointment with the Bush administration for not adopting the Koyoto Protocol, and how a move to hydrogen and wind power would be a great economic and environmental step for the US.
Richard Holbrooke received the degree in honor of his diplomacy and as a worldwide advocate for those who suffer from disease and war.
He also addressed the issue of the HIV-AIDS crisis and explained that this is the most pressing issue the world is facing today.
"This is not just an African problem. Much of the world is affected. We cannot just draw a wall around those affected areas and let them drop away. I hear Africa is hopeless but this is not true," said Holbrooke.
To the younger members of the audience, Holbrooke said, "I hope that you consider giving back to the community and the world at large. Ted Turner wanted to give back. We understand the value of public service. The HIV-AIDS crisis is the biggest social and political crisis of today. I believe it is the greatest issue we can work to correct. Public service is rewarding to you and the community."
Holbrooke and Turner first met though their work with the UN. "We were both concerned with the payment of UN dues when congress passed a bill to reduce the payments by three percent. We ought to pay the dues because we are the richest nation the world has ever seen. Ted said he would pay the difference so other nations would not have to compensate for the cut. It was paid out of his own pocket," said Holbrooke.
"When the crisis of Sept. 11th hit and we needed international support, we were in a much better position after Ted paid and supported the UN," Holbrooke added.
Convocation closed with the Benediction by Rev. Hynson. "Let the light that Ted Turner and Richard Holbrooke have given be spread to light the darkness."
"I hope the students pick out many people to emulate as they become leaders; people that perpetuate the ideas of George Washington," said President Toll.
300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782