In his last address as Union College president, Roger H. Hull suggested that Congress enact a mandatory program, requiring young Americans to serve for two years in either the military or social programs.
“From my perspective, we would benefit mightily as individuals and as a nation if we had some form of mandatory service,” Hull said.
He suggested it could be done either before or after college.
Hull, 62, retires June 30 after 15 years of leading the oldest college in the state. Union College was founded in 1795.
He told the 488 graduates that their life at Union “began at one of this nation's most traumatic moments. When the twin towers came down on 9/11, so did our veil of innocence,” he said.
War has cost the lives of 1,700 American men and women in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the word, sacrifice, is repeatedly heard from politicians, Hull said.
And, there was some commitment after the events of 9/11. But any commitment to the country has been short-lived, and most Americans have reverted to the life they had before, he said.
Hull believes everyone has “an obligation to contribute to the communities, states and nations of which we are a part.”
In a melancholy moment, he said, “I care about you and have high hopes for you, and my hopes for you revolve around those words.”
Demonstrate passion, he said. “Whatever you tackle from this day forward, believe in it and do it with real conviction.”
On accountability: “Remember that you are — we are all — accountable for what we do.”
The president said he was not suggesting “compassion in the sense that appeals to liberals and is abhorrent to conservatives, but empathy, sympathy and tolerance for others who are unable to help themselves.”
For truthfulness, he referred to the Greek philosopher Diogenes who “roamed the countryside with a lantern looking for an honest man. May you never need a lantern; may you simply have to look in the mirror to see an honest person.”
Hull called them simple words that he hopes the graduates keep in mind. “And, I am happy to say, many of you already have exhibited these characteristics, for many of you have been leaders in the changes of the past four years at Union.”
“You have not only weathered change, you have helped bring it about,” he added. “In the process, you have made things better for others and yourselves.”
Hull, a New York City native and an attorney who began his career with White & Case in New York, was given an honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree.
The commencement was held in Hull Plaza, formerly Library Plaza until the board of trustees voted on the change last month.
Hull's achievements over 15 years were recalled in a salute to the outgoing president by Stephen M. Berk, a professor of Jewish studies.
Berk called Hull “a man who likes an intellectual comeback” and a “champion of free speech.” He commended Hull for the way he “really engaged the faculty, really engaged the students.” The outgoing president is an “intelligent, decent and caring man,” Berk said.
Representing the graduates was Brian Lindenberg of Avon, Conn., who earned a bachelor's degree with majors in economics and geology. The theme of Lindenberg's address was not too unlike that of Hull.
“Giving back to our community and especially to Union is something that is often spoken about at graduations,” he said. “But this can only be accomplished when working together. For those of us who have the passion, may we inspire others to join our collaborative effort in bettering the world.”
Tian Tian of Beijing, recognized as a pianist virtuoso, was valedictorian. Silva Kantareva, a native of Bulgaria, was class salutatorian.
Hull ended the program with his traditional charge to the graduates, saying for the last time, “Make a difference: Do well and do good.”