First published: Monday, June 18, 2007
SCHENECTADY — Charles Gibson told roughly 500 graduates of Union College Sunday that he wants them to be involved in community and country.
"You will be many things in the years to come — a husband or wife; a mom or dad, if you're lucky; a banker; a doctor; a teacher … some profession," said Gibson, the anchor of ABC's World News Tonight. "But there's one very important thing you will be that I don't want you to overlook — you will be a citizen."
Rain threatened as the Class of 2007 gathered at the heart of the oldest designed campus in the nation. Seventy-four from the Capital Region participated in the commencement marked by air-horn blasts and somber gestures.
Gibson established a scholarship fund in memory of his father, promising $75,000 in seed money. The scholarships will go to students in financial need. The school also will contribute.
Cheers followed the graduates crossing the stage outside Schaffer Library. They stepped off past a line of professors, who congratulated them and formed a path to the future.
By the numbers 500 Graduates. 74 From the greater Capital Region. 13 From the city of Schenectady. 5 Types of degrees plus two for commissioned officers.