Posted on Jul 1, 2005

Commencement 2005

The tragedies of September 11, 2001, marked the beginning of college life for Classes of 2005 across the country — a grave motif that ran through many of this year's commencement speeches, along with exhortations to be moderate, curious, tolerant, and engaged citizens. Following are excerpts from recent graduation speeches — some somber, some playful; some political, some spiritual — given by faculty members, administrators, and keynote speakers.

Roger Hull, president of Union College, speaking on his campus:

“Let me begin by reflecting with you on what we have been through together. For you, life at Union began at one of this nation's most traumatic moments. … Since then, we have gone to war and have had nearly 1,700 young men and women lose their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq. Since then, we have gone through color codes, threats, and warnings. Since then, we have heard the word “sacrifice” used over and over by politicians. And yet, since then — incredibly, within weeks of the tragedy — most Americans have reverted to the life that they had led prior to 9/11.

Yes, many did step forward right after 9/11, but, for most, the commitment was short-lived. Despite the rhetoric, sacrifice on a continuing, day-to-day basis has been rare. Why? Why do so few of us care? Why don't more of us share the burden? …

Make a pact with yourself to serve your community, state, and nation and tackle the next stage of your journey with passion, accountability, compassion, and truthfulness. Then and only then, as my grandfather said, will you have the right to be proud.”

Posted on Jul 1, 2005

Two Union graduates, Steven J. Shapiro '73 and David A. Viniar '76, were named among the country's top chief financial officers by Institutional Investor, the leading industry magazine.  

Shapiro, executive vice president of finance and corporate development for the Burlington Resources, Inc., which ranks among the world's largest independent oil and gas companies, was named in the Energy category under Oil and Gas Exploration and Production.

He holds a B.S. in industrial economics from Union and an M.B.A. from Harvard University. While at Union, he did a Term Abroad in Austria.

Viniar is the CFO and executive vice president of the Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., one of the world's largest investment banking firms. He was named in the Financial Institutions category under Brokers and Asset Managers.

A Union Trustee, he holds a B.A. in economics, with an M.B.A. from Harvard. A former men's varsity basketball player, he recently made an investment in Union with the state-of-the art Viniar Athletic Center for the men's and women's NCAA Division III basketball teams and intramurals. His initial $1.2 million gift in 1999 for the facility was followed by $2 million from the Viniar Family Foundation in 2003. 

In January, the two alums' worlds converged when Shapiro was tapped to speak at the Goldman Sachs Global Energy Conference 2005 in New York.