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Master’s Graduates Addressed by JetBlue founder David Neeleman
Master’s Degrees conferred at Manhattanville’s 167th Commencement
View video of the 2008 Graduate Commencement Ceremonies
View photos of the Graduate Commencement Ceremonies
5.8.2008
Urging each graduate to use their individual passion, experiences and education to make a difference, Manhattanville College president Richard A. Berman conferred Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Professional Studies and Master of Education degrees on a diverse group of men and women at Manhattanville’s 167th Master’s Commencement on May 8, 2008.
Berman commended the 178 graduates receiving Master’s degrees, and encouraged them to use their unique talents, knowledge and skills to make the world a better place.
Reflecting on the broad diversity of the Class of 2008, Berman pointed out that those earning Master’s degrees from Manhattanville this year range in age from 22 to 62 and hail from eight states and U.S. territories, and other countries including South Africa, Croatia, Germany, Haiti, India, Mexico, Canada and the Dominican Republic.
Noting that the class includes a former New York City firefighter who battled back from third-degree burns, a rock musician and numerous professionals making a career change, Berman commended the graduates for the sacrifices they made to earn their Master’s.
“Manhattanville has reinforced your sense of purpose and your appreciation for the strength and breadth of community. You have felt the power and potential that comes from community, and you have accepted your special responsibility as a Manhattanville graduate to use all of this to make the world a better place,” Berman said. “My hope is that you will be able to find peace in yourself, and that you will make the world more of a just, compassionate and peaceful place.”
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees were conferred on JetBlue Airways founder David Neeleman, Baptist minister and healthcare pioneer Reverend Carl Flemister and educator Dr. Eileen Santiago.
Neeleman is a visionary leader in the air travel industry, having launched three successful aviation businesses, including JetBlue Airways, with plans to launch a similar low-fare airline in Brazil.
.jpg "David Neeleman Founder of JetBlue")
But while Neeleman is best known for revolutionizing air travel, he continues to work with countless children and families, including as honorary chair of Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities.
Neeleman, the keynote speaker, discussed his own adult attention-deficit disorder, and how he believes any disorder should be viewed not as an insurmountable problem, but as an opportunity to uncover unique talents. Most of all, he encouraged the graduates to strive to “make a difference, to matter,” in whatever path in life they choose.
Sharing how he’s spent time with some of the wealthiest people in the world, Neeleman told the graduates, “I have come to honestly believe that there is really no correlation between wealth and happiness. But there is an absolute correlation between service to others and happiness. I believe we all want to be happy, we all want to reach our full potential, and I believe you can’t do that unless you serve others.”
Reverend Flemister helped develop a unique vision of how healthcare could be improved. As Senior Vice President for Integrative Wellness at the health insurer HIP, guiding a department he created to promote physical, emotional and spiritual wellness.
Flemister thanked his family and longtime friends and also commended Manhattanville College for “sowing and nurturing the seeds of learning for so many.”
Dr. Eileen Santiago is an educator who changed the face of education in Port Chester with her vision, commitment and energy. During her 12 years as principal of the Thomas Edison Community School, Santiago not only transformed the school itself, but she redefined the relationship between a school, its students, their families, and the community.
“What I’d like to share with all of you that are going out in the world is ‘Make a difference. Look at what’s taken for granted and redo it,” Santiago said. “Lead and live your lives with faith, with laughter, with perseverance, and share that leadership with others to really make a difference in the world.”
Sister Ruth Dowd, RSCJ, Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies and Shelley Wepner, Dean of the School of Education, joined Berman as Master’s degrees were conferred upon the students. Berman then asked the graduates to turn and face their families and friends to thank them for their support.
Berman wished the Master’s Class of 2008 the best in their journeys. “You have been a very important part of this college’s mission and history, and now its legacy,” Berman said. “I am proud to send you off to always represent the best of Manhattanville, and to make the world a better place.”