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Passion, Purpose Stressed to Graduates at Manhattanville College’s 167th Undergraduate Commencement

View video of the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony 

View photos of the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony

View a video clip from Fox 5 News 

5.10.2008

Urging members of the Class of 2008 to seek purpose and passion in following their dreams, Manhattanville College President Richard A. Berman conferred Bachelor’s degrees on 342 graduates at the College’s 167th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 2008.

“Today is special, and it can never be repeated or relived,” Berman told the graduates. “At this moment, we see in one place, at one time, Manhattanville’s mission fully energized and about to be dispersed into the world. I am so proud of you, and I know you will be successful in whatever you decide you want to do.”

Berman characterized the Class of 2008 as one of the most diverse and dynamic groups of graduates in the college’s history, noting that those receiving undergraduate degrees hail from 19 states, 15 U.S. territories and 10 countries, and range in age from 19 to 55.

Touching on just a few of the individual success stories, Berman pointed out that one member of this year’s class represents the third consecutive generation to graduate from Manhattanville, while many others are the first in their families to graduate from college.  The Class of 2008 also includes a set of twins, a veteran of the war in Iraq and another student who managed to graduate with a 3.4 grade point average while raising a younger sister after losing their only parent last year.

“We have educated you to be ethically and socially responsible leaders for the global community,” Berman stated, commending the class on its 6,000 hours of community service this year alone. “As individuals and as a class, you carry a sense of purpose and promise. You have seen and now understand the power and potential that come from community, and you have accepted your special Manhattanville responsibility, which is to use all your knowledge and unique gifts to make this a better world for everyone.”

Class President Ryan Beaudry, after drawing laughter and applause for capturing what seniors will miss most about Manhattanville in his “Top Eight List for the Class of 2008,” on behalf of the graduates thanked parents and families for their support. Beaudry, who later in the commencement was awarded the President’s Prize for outstanding contribution to the Manhattanville community and upholding the college’s core values, told his classmates, “As we prepare for our next steps in an uncertain world, we go armed with invaluable lessons: stand for what you believe in, make a difference, embrace change and achieve success.”

Berman also presented honorary Doctor of Humane Letters on four outstanding individuals who in addition to their professional accomplishments embody Manhattanville’s mission and values, and each demonstrate that one person can truly make a positive difference in the world.

Ernie Anastos, an Emmy Award-winning television news journalist whose career in New York spans 25 years, was the commencement’s keynote speaker.

Anastos, the anchor for FOX 5 News whose charitable work and philanthropic efforts include founding a scholarship program for budding, young journalists, and penning a children’s book that benefits the Make-A-Wish foundation, called on the graduates to focus on values and priorities throughout the paths they pursue.

Recalling an on-air interview that’s always stuck with him, Anastos told a story of how too many people live their lives seeking “more, better and different,” only to find there’s still a void. “The thing that really makes a difference in a person’s life is purpose,” Anastos said. “It doesn’t have to be some lofty, huge thing. It’s just knowing what your purpose is in life. Search for that.”

Anastos shared several sayings continue to lead him in his own life’s journey. “I read in a garden a few years ago that ‘The only sign of life is growth,’ so remember that if you are not growing, you’re not really living,” Anastos told the graduates. “And keep in mind what one Greek philosopher said: ‘I have the wish to die young, but as late in life as possible.’ I live like that, and I want you to think about that, because the spirit you have, this youthful heart you have, we all need to have that, no matter what age you may be. There are always challenges, growth and opportunities, there’s always something else around that corner. So maintain that youthful heart, go out there and be everything that you can be, and I want to read good news about each one of you on television someday.”

Pro basketball Hall of Famer Vernon Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, who overcame the challenges of modest beginnings and social injustices on his way to being named one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players, was awarded an honorary doctorate from Manhattanville in recognition of his achievements on and off the court, including his work to improve the lives of others through community outreach, promotion of health awareness and a commitment to young people.

After stressing the importance of family, including his wife, Manhattanville alumna Marita Green, Monroe thanked the college for the honor. “Now I have another family in Manhattanville,” said Monroe.

Ernst “Nick” Ohnell was honored with a doctorate degree in recognition of his achievements as a business leader, philanthropist and an environmental steward, including enabling the creation of Manhattanville’s Ohnell Environmental Park, the cornerstone of the college’s environmental major. Having founded several companies, including the investment firm Ohnell Capital, LLC, Ohnell promotes social responsibility and environmental awareness in myriad ways, Ohnell told the graduates. “If you just have passion in life, and go after things that you care about with tenacity, I promise you will have success in any endeavor.”

Another honorary doctorate recipient, Sister Joan Magnetti, RSCJ, has dedicated her life to education, following a path of purpose and passion. As Headmistress of the Convent of the Sacred Heart, she has revitalized the all-girls school in Greenwich, Connecticut both academically and financially. Her unmatched ability to turn schools around is also apparent at Manhattanville, where as a former member of the Board, Sister Magnetti provided invaluable leadership and guidance in the college’s ongoing resurgence. 

Sister Magnetti expressed gratitude to Manhattanville, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in government as a young woman before entering the Society of the Sacred Heart, the international religious order dedicated to the education of youth which founded the college.

In addition to the President’s Prize, two awards were presented to outstanding seniors. Academic Dean Imma De Stefanis awarded the Grace Cowardin Damman Award to Esmelda Toribio and the Eleanor O’Byrne Prize to Ericka Spinner.