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Students from 26 countries graduate from Clarkson; former Rep. McHugh among those receiving honorary degrees

Posted 5/13/18

POTSDAM -- Clarkson University awarded nearly 800 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees to students from 34 states, 26 countries and 60 New York state counties at its spring 2018 commencement …

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Students from 26 countries graduate from Clarkson; former Rep. McHugh among those receiving honorary degrees

Posted

POTSDAM -- Clarkson University awarded nearly 800 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees to students from 34 states, 26 countries and 60 New York state counties at its spring 2018 commencement Saturday.

The weekend was also marked by the commissioning of United States Army and United States Air Force officers on Friday.

In addition to the graduating students, receiving honorary doctor of science degrees and addressing students, families and guests were Alexandra Cousteau, a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, filmmaker and globally recognized advocate on water issues; Marc A. Edwards, the Charles P. Lunsford Professor of Civil Engineering at Virginia Tech; John McHugh, former Secretary of the United States Army and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Bruce Stillman, president and CEO of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

"There is so much more that unites than separates us," said Cousteau in her remarks to the students.

"The point of intersection between beliefs and actions is the point where we find our purpose. And that’s what I wish for all of you. Is that as you move forward you find purpose, and when you do it brings you the satisfaction, peace, and accomplishment, that how you live your life, is in fact, in line with things that are most important to you. What you believe will fundamentally change what you do. And what you do will change the world and shape the future. Dire predictions don’t make our destiny, our choices do. Never doubt that the world relies on you to create the change that we’re all waiting for."

“One of the most important things you are taught is the importance of building bridges, literally for those of you that are engineers but figuratively for the rest of you,” said Edwards, “One of the things I wish I had known when I was a graduate and, in fact, wished I had known when I was 40 years old, is that living a worthy life is as much about the bridges that you should burn, as well as the bridges that you will.”

“We have all heard the old adage ‘never burn a bridge behind you.’ But there are times when you should and I hope you all know at this point in your life that when it comes to your friends, when, not if they take a wrong turn, you have to be prepared to burn that bridge or else be lost yourself,” Edwards said.

"That great man of the Renaissance, Michelangelo once said, ‘The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and failing—but in setting our mark too low and achieving,’ said McHugh to the students. “It sounds like a cliché’, but it’s true; if you want to enhance your life and enhance your chances of success in all you do, reach a little bit further than you think you’re able. Because I’ve learned in my life, that the true regrets life not in failing—but in failing to try. And as you look out into the world; all the challenges, the strife, the worries most of you have…always try to keep in mind that life is an amazing journey. And even in the darkest of dark hours, there is light to be found if you only look for it.”

“You are about to embark on your own journey … from Clarkson University to the rest of your life,” said Stillman in his remarks to the students.  “You have little idea what lies ahead in the many years to come despite your best-made plans. But I trust by now you have learned to maximize your opportunities by seeking out smart people, by keeping your eyes open and your mind attuned to new ideas, by applying your talents and knowledge gained here to all aspects of your life, not just your work. You are now well equipped to make the most of what comes your way.”

Lisa Legault in Clarkson University's School of Arts & Sciences was awarded the John W. Graham Jr. Faculty Research Award. The $1,500 research accounts are presented to "faculty members who have shown promise in engineering, business, liberal arts or scientific research."

Kathleen Kavanagh, in the School of Arts & Sciences, was awarded the Distinguished Teaching Award. The $1,500 prize is given "in recognition of the importance of superior teaching." Candidates are nominated for the award by Clarkson alumni and the final selection is made by a faculty committee.

Senior Grayden Shand of Jericho, Vt., was awarded the Levinus Clarkson Award, and senior Krissy Govertsen of Valatie, N.Y., received the Frederica Clarkson Award. Both are $1,000 prizes given to "a student who demonstrates the best combination of scholarship and promise of outstanding professional achievement."