Newswise — United States Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) encouraged the Class of 2005 to "always stand true to yourselves" and to "stand up for research and for open inquiry" in her address today to approximately 1,100 graduates at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's 199th Commencement at the Harkness Field.
In her speech, Clinton challenged students to use their technological and scientific degrees for themselves, the nation, and the world. She also urged students not to turn their backs on objective science in the face of political or other world pressures.
"We need to be willing to face up to scientific facts and not permit them to be distorted or spun out of proportion," Senator Clinton said. She emphasized the point in quoting her predecessor, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, who said, "Everyone is entitled to his own opinions, but no one is entitled to his own facts."
Senator Clinton is the only first lady ever elected to the United States Senate, where she has served since 2000. Her stated priorities are homeland security, economic security, and national security, along with improving health care, promoting education, and protecting the environment. She has been an advocate for support of basic research, including co-sponsoring the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act. Clinton also is a strong advocate for improving access to higher education.
In her remarks, Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson honored Senator Clinton for "embracing challenges and change, and for advocating for those who have no voice."
"Reach for the Stars," President Jackson Advises Class of 2005In her address to the Class of 2005, President Jackson celebrated the "many stories of global citizenship at Rensselaer," and noted extraordinary contributions of the Class of 2005 to the richness and diversity of the Rensselaer community and beyond.
"There are many opportunities to practice good global citizenship. For after all, what is democracy? Or a university? It is a place where differences are valued, where differing points of view are listened to with respect and afforded dignity. This, you will teach the world," President Jackson said.
"The world has changed enormously in your time here," President Jackson added, "But, my hope for you is that, as you move forward, you will hold fast to your core values and to your principles—they will be your North Star, your guide to navigating the challenges, which are sure to lie ahead."
"My wish for you, as you embark on that journey, is to always, always keep learning, always to reach for the stars, and always to look for opportunities to make a positive difference in the world," she said.
Build the Foundations To Make Your Dreams Come True, Student Class President Says
Student Class President Roberto Tedesco also spoke to his fellow graduates at the podium, encouraging them to build foundations that will allow their dreams to come true.
"Henry David Thoreau once said, 'If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them,' " Tedesco said. "There are many challenges ahead. But I know we have the ambition and motivation to face these challenges head-on."
The Perfect 4.0The J. Erik Jonsson Prize is awarded to the senior with the highest academic record. This year 31 seniors completed their undergraduate studies with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. The winner of the 2005 J. Erik Jonsson Prize is computer science and physics major Joseph Yasi from Fogelsville, Penn.
Honorary DegreesIn addition to Senator Clinton, Rensselaer also conferred an honorary degree on Paul A. Volcker, Robert T. Coonrod, and Joé Juneau '91.
Paul A. VolckerPaul A. Volcker was chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from 1979 to 1987 after serving for four years as chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He served in federal office under five presidents: John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan. Volcker currently is presiding chairman of a special committee investigating the United Nations Oil-for-Food Program. Volcker's father, Paul A. Volcker Sr., graduated from Rensselaer in 1911 with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.
Robert T. CoonrodRobert T. Coonrod was the longest serving president of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), serving from 1997 to 2004. Prior to joining the CPB in 1994, Coonrod worked in the Foreign Service for more than 25 years including as deputy managing editor of the Voice of America, and in the United States Information Agency's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, where he managed global educational exchange programs. He graduated from LaSalle Institute in Troy, N.Y., Fordham University, and attended Albany Law School (N.Y.). Coonrod currently serves as senior counselor to Policy Impact Strategic Communications Inc., a Washington, D.C., public relations and government affairs firm.
Joé Juneau '91Joé Juneau '91, former Rensselaer ice hockey standout and aeronautical engineering major, retired in 2004 after 12 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). Juneau started his NHL career with the Boston Bruins in 1992 and retired with the Montreal Canadiens last year. He led the Canadian National ice hockey team to a silver medal in the1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. Juneau has started a new career as a partner with Harfan Technologies, an engineering technology company based in his hometown of Pont-Rouge, Quebec, and in Frederick, Md. Harfan Technologies develops infrastructure asset management solutions for the private and public sectors.
About Rensselaer Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1824, is the nation's oldest technological university. The university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in engineering, the sciences, information technology, architecture, management, and the humanities and social sciences. Institute programs serve undergraduates, graduate students, and working professionals around the world. Rensselaer faculty are known for pre-eminence in research conducted in a wide range of fields, with particular emphasis in biotechnology, nanotechnology, information technology, and the media arts and technology. The Institute is well known for its success in the transfer of technology from the laboratory to the marketplace so that new discoveries and inventions benefit human life, protect the environment, and strengthen economic development.
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