Wittenberg University

Class Of 2002 Told To Consider Public Service And To Define Their Moments, Speakers Say

Welcome to the Wittenberg Alumni Association, class of 2002!

Springfield, Ohio - The more than 400 graduates of the class of 2002 at Wittenberg University were greeted by the sounds of horns, whistles, cowbells, excited shouts and yes, even a harmonica, as their names were read during the 157th commencement ceremony Saturday, May 18.

About the only sound they didn't hear, thankfully, is that of raindrops hitting the tops of their mortar board caps. More than a week of rain threatened to drive the ceremony indoors. Judging by the sounds from the more than 2,500 friends and family present, unseasonably chilly weather didn't cool their enthusiasm.

"I asked what my duties might be today and was told it had been raining all week so if I could just bring out a bit of sunshine, that would be terrific," said Bill Press, co-host of CNN's Crossfire for six years, in his commencement address. Just then, an impressive ray of light appeared from the clouds. "How's this?" he said to a round of thunderous applause.

Senior Class President Geoffrey McGovern grins as he recalls fond memories of his time at Wittenberg.

Known for his gift of spin on the political debate program and in his impressive career spanning nearly three decades in government, politics and broadcasting, Press told the graduates, "Today might not be the day to talk spin, maybe it should be the day of straight talk, as you're the first graduating class since the world-changing events of September 11."

Paraphrasing words from Martin Luther, Press urged the graduates to 'sin boldly.' He encouraged everyone to "Live boldly, dream boldly, love boldly - whatever you do, don't do it half way." He said to consider the plan before the action and ask the question, "what is the purpose of little dreams?"

Prior to the address by Press, Senior Class President Geoffrey McGovern, a political science major from Williamsville, N.Y. told the crowd that he had too many defining moments to list in the four years he has been at Wittenberg and he encouraged all his classmates to look back and find your own defining moments and carry them with you the rest of your life.

Michael John Root, Professor of Systematic Theology at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Cols, Ohio, is presented a Doctorate of Humane Letters honorary degree.

Wittenberg honored two prominent local and national leaders with honorary degrees. Doctorates of Humane Letters were presented to Michael John Root and Bill Press. Michael John Root, is Edward C. Fendt Professor of Systematic Theology at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. Joining the faculty in 1998 after ten years as research professor and sometimes director at the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg, France. Root is a member of the Board of the ELCA Division for Ministry, of the U.S. Lutheran-Catholic dialogue, and of the Anglican-Lutheran International Working Group. He served on the drafting teams that produced the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification and Called to Common Mission, which established full communion between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Episcopal Church. He studied at Dartmouth College where he obtained a B.A. and was salutatorian of the class of1973. Root furthered his education at Yale, receiving a M.A., an M.Phil. and a Ph.D. in Theology. He lives with his wife Sarah in Norfolk, Virginia.

Commencement Speaker, Bill Press, receives an honorary degree, a Doctorate of Humane Letters, just prior to giving his address.

In addition to a contributing political analyst for CNN, Press is a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist, an award-winning radio talk show host and he has managed several local and statewide political campaigns in California. Press is the author of a new book titled "Spin This," in which he explores the culture of spin. He has been awarded four Emmys and a Golden Mike and was named "Best Commentator of the Year" by the Associated Press in 1992. Press received a B.A. in Philosophy from Niagara University and a S.T.B. in Theology from the University of Fiborg, Switzerland. He and his wife, Carol live in Washington, maintain a home is California and have two sons, Mark and David.

President of the University, Baird Tipson, expressed hope that while at Wittenberg every student has found a vocation because "we are what we love." "Just as our faculty have devoted their lives to interesting young people in political science, music, mathematics, it is very important to choose what you love."

In finding a vocation that exemplifies devotion and courage, Press spoke about the events of September 2001. He recalled seeing a poignant handmade sign on a visit to ground zero. The sign was taped to a fire station and read 'you ran in when we ran out, we are forever grateful.'

"Make this country even greater than it already is, rush into life with your hearts on fire," Press said. "We're counting on you, God bless America."

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