In the early 20th century, an intrepid explorer once observed: "Life is its own journey, presupposes its own change and movement, and one tries to arrest them at one's own peril." As you, the Class of 1999, prepare to leave the Hill, the Tufts community wishes you a prosperous and fulfilling journey.
While at times, you will deal with uncertainty, occasional disappointment, and unexpected challenges, you are well prepared. You are Tufts' legacy, and we rely on you and expect you to shape the next century, utilizing your skills as leaders, citizens, and visionaries. We also rely on you to return to us as alumni, and with inspiration and innovation guide this University through the changes of the 21st century.
Life changes are not the sole province of those who are relatively young. Journeying with you into a new stage of life are two individuals who have contributed to this community for decades and whose wisdom, dedication, and altruism exemplify Tufts' spirit of excellence and service: Bobbie Knable, Dean of Students, and Rocky Carzo, Director of Athletics.
All of you recognize their names; most of you have had close relationships with one or both of them; and all of us - faculty, students, and administration - owe a debt to both for their lasting contributions to the quality of the student academic experience for almost three decades. We are indeed fortunate that although they will be retiring from their present positions, both will return in the fall in new roles.
Rocky has assisted us tremendously in organizing Commencement, a voluntary addition to his physical education responsibilities, and now an activity to which he can devote his considerable talents. He will also take a leadership role in fundraising for athletics and in documenting the rich athletic history at Tufts.
Bobbie's insight and sensitivity to the needs of our students and staff resulted in her shaping the origins of the daycare program and the Women's Center. Under her leadership, the Asian American Center (the first on the East Coast), the Tufts Transgendered Lesbian Gay Bisexual Center (one of the first in the country), and the Latino Center were initiated as administrative offices. Bobbie will continue to work on special projects in diversity and residential learning, while continuing her research on alcohol abuse and ways of reducing binge drinking among college-age students - all issues that are crucial to undergraduate life. In particular, she will help us plan how to broaden and enhance our residential life programs; and as Arts and Sciences considers the most effective ways to enhance and organize student services, Bobbie will work with the culture center directors, both individually and collectively, to discuss how best to meet the needs of their constituents.
Just as Rocky's and Bobbie's roles at Tufts have evolved and will continue to evolve, so too will your role -- from students to alumni and mentors, but as your roles change, you will always be learning, exploring and transforming. The Tufts community that remains here - our faculty and administrators - will miss you, but we foresee your promise and will celebrate your accomplishments. So too will we miss Bobbie's sage suggestions and insight, along with Rocky's cheerful wit and his vision of the student/athlete.
The mark of a great university is the ability to build on the accomplishments of those who move through it, yet remain integral to it. And so I am filled with optimism and gratitude as I see Arts and Sciences renewing itself with each matriculation and graduation, not only shaping the world, but also recreating our own world here on the Global Hill.
