Heading into the "Real World"
	Once contemptuous of politics and lacking in faith, former Middle East hostage Terry Anderson counseled some 1,300 Ithaca College graduates last month against adopting similar views as they seek to build successful lives in an increasingly complex, difficult world. "We read in detail about the weakness and the sins of our leaders, we see so many well-meant efforts smothered by self-interest and greed. But even with that you cannot turn away from the political process," said Anderson, speaking at the College's May 17 Commencement ceremony at Butterfield Stadium. "This is the system we use here to decide questions of public importance. It's how we reach agreement on the purposes and principles of our society and compromise on the problems that divide us. There are lots of worse ways to do that. I've seen them. And I'll take politics." A hostage of Shiite Muslim extremists in Lebanon from 1985 to 1991, Anderson, then a reporter for the Associated Press, and a handful of others were longtime pawns in Middle Eastern politics. While he was often kept chained and blindfolded, sometimes beaten, and even subjected to a mock execution, Anderson relied on his own toughness and that of his fellow hostages to survive. "We spent a lot of time talking with each other, arguing with each other, learning from each other, keeping our minds alive, being resources for each other. That was one of the things that helped keep me sane, helped keep me alive." During his time in captivity Anderson saw other hostages come and go, not all of them getting out alive. It was "providential," he said, that in the six months prior to his abduction he regained a faith he was first exposed to as a child growing up in Batavia, New York. "I couldn't have survived those years without that faith," he said. "I couldn't have dealt with the anger and with the hatred and the bitterness. I couldn't have found my way to the joy and the peace and the love that I have in my life now." Anderson credited graduates for their academic successes but cautioned that service to others and a strong sense of obligation to the poor, the weak, and the powerless are other keys to future success. "I hope you can hold onto these things in your life when you leave here. Faith, the commitment to others, and the love of learning," he said. "With those things and the minds that you obviously have, and the tools that your professors have given you, you can build a wonderful life. A truly successful life." Also offering remarks to the graduates and their guests was Ithaca College president Peggy R. Williams, chairman of the board of trustees Herman E. Muller Jr. '51, and senior class president Eric Schnabolk, who announced a class gift of nearly $8,000 to be used for future scholarships and a new student seating area in the academic quad. Honored at the ceremony was retired professor of politics Harvey Fireside, who was awarded the status of Dana Professor Emeritus. Also recognized were retiring faculty members David Brown of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and Robert Ryan of the Department of History. Ryan, who joined the College in 1956, had taught longer than any other faculty member in the history of Ithaca College. In her remarks, Williams urged graduates to consider the motto of the College, engraved on commemorative medallions distributed earlier in the day. "In the months and years to come, the message that the world will hear from you will undoubtedly reflect our motto, 'Commitment to Excellence.' Through your work, your play, your relationships, your creativity, and your persistence, those whom you meet will know what excellence is. I hope that you feel as confident as we do that your course work, your cocurricular activities, and the tutelage of our exemplary faculty have prepared you to begin this next portion of your life's journey, and to meet the challenges of the next century." The medallions also bear the seal of the College, and Williams asked graduates to consider that seal as a reminder that they are a part of Ithaca College's heritage. "In presenting this seal to you, we are acknowledging that you have demonstrated to us your ability to uphold the high standards of this institution," Williams said. "Your relationship with Ithaca College does not end today; rather, it enters a new phase. Today, you leave South Hill to bring your knowledge, skills, and compassion out into the world. May the world see the pride that you have in Ithaca College, just as we now express the pride we have in each of you." Before introducing Williams, Muller congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments and welcomed them to the larger family of more than 34,000 alumni worldwide. "Your involvement with the College is important to the next generation of Ithaca students," Muller said. "I encourage you to stay in touch and to join in helping us continue Ithaca College's rich tradition of excellence as we move into the next century." Muller recounted an exciting year at the College that included the initiation of major construction for the School of Music and the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, a successful completion of the Middle States reaccreditation process, successes on the athletic field, a new partnership with the Frederick Douglass Academy in New York City, and the inauguration of Williams as the College's seventh president. "We are confident that she will successfully lead this fine academic institution into the 21st century with innovative and creative ideas and with a commitment to providing our students with an outstanding education." In addressing his classmates, Schnabolk reflected on the college experience. "The point is that over the last four years all of us have grown through both our failures and successes, which adds to the unique experiences that we all shared here at Ithaca College," he said. "From the excellent performances in Dillingham and Ford to President Williams's Day of Service. From the many nights we spent downtown to the gymnastics team which won a national championship this year. Today, we all will take a piece of Ithaca College with us."