Good morning. Graduates, it is an honor for me to share this special day with you because we share a bit of a bond, which has given me a fond place in my heart for the Class of 2018.
You see, four years ago, on a lovely August evening on this very Green, I had the pleasure of addressing you at convocation. There, I challenged you to step outside of your comfort zones, to stretch yourselves academically and to enjoy all that this great University has to offer. Well done!
As students, you have witnessed a shifting political and social landscape like no others in history. In an era when college campuses across the country are raising their voices to confront social injustices, I am proud of you and my alma mater for insisting that ALL persons be treated equally with dignity and respect.
As UVM alums, do not leave this behind. Fifty years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. shared these words that ring true today. He said, "We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead. We cannot turn back."
In closing, I will ask three things of you.
First, I ask that you proudly display your diploma and let the world know that you are a graduate of the University of Vermont.
Second, I ask that you help us enroll the next generation of Catamounts. Help others find their way here to this special University.
Finally, I ask that you stay connected. Today you join the ranks of nearly 115,000 UVM graduates who live and work in every state in the nation and nearly 100 countries around the world. Regardless of where your life and travels take you, rest assured that there is a Catamount nearby. Visit the UVM Alumni Association’s web page for the many ways you can be involved.
On behalf of the entire alumni community, Congratulations Class of 2018. Now go and show the world what Catamounts from Vermont can accomplish!
Now, it is my pleasure to recognize the recipient of the George V. Kidder Outstanding Faculty Award.
CITATION FOR THE KIDDER FACULTY AWARD RECIPIENT
The UVM Alumni Association is proud to honor Dr. Annie Murray-Close, from the Department of Psychological Science in the College of Arts and Sciences as this year’s recipient.
The Kidder award, established in memory of Dr. George V. Kidder, UVM class of 1922 and former Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, recognizes excellence in teaching and extraordinary contributions to the enrichment of campus life.
Dr. Murray-Close joins a select group of UVM faculty recognized for bringing these qualities and abilities to our campus in the classroom, where she has ignited a passion for learning and discovery in countless students through her engaging instructional style.
Outside the classroom, it is her hands-on laboratory research and passionate commitment to student advising that have earned her widespread campus respect. Above all, her gift for teaching and mentorship brings us to bestow this honor upon her today.
For all she has contributed to the lives of her students and to the University of Vermont, I invite you to join me in recognizing Dr. Annie Murray-Close as the recipient of the 2018 George V. Kidder Outstanding Faculty Award.