LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. — The more than 800 graduates receiving degrees at Siena College’s graduation ceremony on Sunday heard presentations by journalists Dan Rather and Helen Thomas, as well as Robert McCormick, chair of Trust Co Bank.
At Sunday’s ceremony, Gary Maciag, assistant professor of creative arts, served as commencement narrator and William Beaudin, chaplain of the college, gave an invocation. Siena College President Kevin Mackin, who greeted the class of 2007, was later thanked by the Joseph Pastore, chair of the board of trustees, for his many years of service.
Kevin told students to remember the work of Mother Theresa and Albert Schweitzer as they go forward. There was no shortage of inspiring words for students, according to Janet Gianopoulos, director of Siena’s News Services. Siena’s commencement was noted in news ranging from the local NBC station to USA Today, and CBS Evening and Weekend News segments are pending.
Dan Rather, former CBS reporter, and Helen Thomas, of UPI, were given doctor of humane letters degrees. Rather gave the keynote address in which he told the graduates to go forward into the world with courage.
“Remember that courage comes in many forms,” Rather said. “It is sorely needed in our country. Ideals only fall away with your permission.”