Schenectady, N.Y. (June 14, 1998) – U.S. Congressman Victor H. Fazio told the Union College graduates today that “the true measure of a person, and of a nation, is found in something more profound than economic well-being.”
A steady rain fell throughout much of the ceremony, which was held outdoors in the College's Library Plaza.
Fazio, a 1965 graduate of Union College, delivered the address and received an honorary doctor of laws degree at the College's commencement today.
Citing from a 1968 campaign speech by Bobby Kennedy, Fazio said that Gross National Product does not measure the health and joy of our children, the intelligence of our public debate, the integrity of our public officials or our devotion to country. “It can tell us everything about America except why we are proud to be Americans,” he said, quoting Kennedy.
“The final exams you took will not test you as much as some of the challenges you will face in your life,” Fazio said. “Most of those challenges, as Bobby Kennedy pointed out, have little to do with your economic well-being.”
Another medal for Nikki Stone
Olympic gold medalist Nikki Stone had two medals hanging around her neck at Union's commencement on Sunday when the 1997 Union graduate collected the Eliphalet Nott Medal, named for Union's fourth president, who just happened to be the freestyle aerial skier's great-great-great-great grandfather.
Stone, who earned a Union degree in psychology, won her gold medal in the Olympics last winter in Nagano, Japan. She said her training in psychology has been vital in preparing mentally for her spectacular aerial twists and turns.
Besides her family connection to Union's most illustrious president (her mother's maiden name was Nott), Stone said she was drawn to Union partly because the trimester schedule allowed her to take winter terms off to compete in the World Cup circuit.
“It took me seven years to graduate from Union College,” she said. “Someone asked me if it was worth it. “Last year I earned my degree magna cum laude. This year, I won a gold medal.”
Other degrees awarded
Also receiving honorary degrees were Allen L. Sessoms, Union Class of 1968, president of Queens College; and Diane Ravitch, a senior fellow in governmental studies at the Brookings Institution.
Fazio is serving his 10th term in the third congressional district of northern California. Elected by his colleagues as chairman of the Democratic Caucus, the third ranking Democratic leadership position, he also serves as ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. He also has served on the Military Construction Subcommittee.