Commencement – May 19, 2007 
J. Bonnie Newman
Interim President
University of New Hampshire
Commencement, Cowell Stadium
May 19, 2007
Opening remarks
Good morning, and a warm University of New Hampshire welcome to students, parents, families, spouses, partners, children, friends, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests to this very special day. It is my honor and privilege, on behalf of the University community, to greet you on this historic occasion.
Before we begin today’s proceedings, I would like to ask you, the members of the Class of 2007, to stand and be recognized. Now, would you please turn and recognize your families, parents, grandparents, and all those who have supported and helped you to reach this important moment. Thank you.
Whether you are from near or far, whether you have reached this day relatively early or late in your life—our youngest graduate is 17 years-old, and our oldest is 79—we are all here to celebrate this happy day.
Over the course of the past year it has been my distinct honor to serve as interim president of this great University. I have loved every minute of it. It has been a joy to be a part of this impressive, vibrant learning community, a community that upholds the very highest of standards in teaching, research, and service.
In its heart and soul, this University holds the deep belief that as a community of learned persons, we share a common responsibility to care for those who are less able to care for themselves. We believe that public service is a noble calling, dependent upon well-informed and capable leadership. To our graduates, I say that I am confident that you are able and ready to meet this charge. Your UNH education has made it so.
As you proceed on your life’s journey, some of you will experience career paths that are near perfect in their trajectories. But for others of us, that will not be the case. I can tell you that my own career has been anything but linear, yet my experiences teach me again and again that it is an honor to serve, and that each of us has the power to change the world around us.
We are honored today with the presence of two of the world’s most distinguished statesmen, former President George Herbert Walker Bush and former President William Jefferson Clinton. As individuals, these gentlemen have made history, and as partners in public service, they are still making history. Through their good work, the world has benefited and will continue to benefit in ways that are still unfolding. We have much to learn from their actions and their example. And Messrs. Presidents, I believe we will have much to learn from these graduates! Our expectations are high for the members of this class and we look forward to their many contributions and accomplishments.
To our students, let me observe that hard work has brought you to this day. Good work and a superb education will lead you forward to benefit society in ways that we cannot yet know. Your paths to UNH are individual yet part of a longstanding legacy that will shape what you accomplish as alumni and citizens. Look around you. There is greatness here today, and doubtless, there are leaders of tomorrow as well.
New Hampshire poet Robert Frost once said, “I have never started a poem yet whose end I knew. Writing a poem is discovering.” Today, that is what I wish for this Class of 2007, that your lives be a continual work of art in progress, an enduring journey of service and discovery that will satisfy and challenge you for all the days to come.
Congratulations.
Closing remarks and recognition of families and friends
To the parents of today’s graduates, thank you for entrusting the University of New Hampshire with your daughters and sons. When these young men and women arrived at the University they were your children—now they are our future. They have been active participants in a salutary educational experience, and are now ready to contribute to the world. It is my belief that the University’s greatness lies not only in the quality of its people but also in the promise of their achievements. I share your pride in the accomplishments that we celebrate together today and look forward to the many ways these newest UNH alumni will make their marks as tomorrow’s leaders.
Congratulations and God speed.