Contact: Maridith Geuder
In sending them into the future, Interim President J. Charles Lee urged Mississippi State graduates Friday to take a lesson from the past.
Recalling a 1942 commencement speech at the university by Memphis Mayor Walter Chandler, Lee compared recent national tragedies with the nation's entry into World War II.
"'It is obvious to everyone that democracy is on trial again and we are facing another crisis in American history,'" he quoted from the nearly 60-year-old address made just months after Pearl Harbor.
Acknowledging that Sept. 11 events "have jolted our sense of comfort about our security," Lee reminded the audience that the nation has prevailed in other troubled times. He told graduates their futures are bright "because our nation's foundation is, once again, demonstrated to be sound."
Lee, who officially assumes his duties Jan. 1, shared the podium with outgoing President Malcolm Portera, who becomes chancellor of the University of Alabama System the same day.
More than 1,300 MSU students were candidates for fall degrees. Of that number, four seniors were cited for perfect 4.0 grade-point averages, including Hilma M. Davis of Pierson, Fla., Meade Hartfield and Jonathan B. Stringer of Clinton, and Jason M. Simpson of Holly Pond, Ala. Also, state College Board president Bill Crawford was among those graduating with a master's in school administration.
Because state taxpayers funded much of their education, Lee challenged the graduates to never forget the support Mississippians have given them.
"Educate yourselves about where your state ranks in education, in economic development and other measures of good qualities of life," he said. "Make your very best case for those who have helped you wherever you have the opportunity to do so.
"If you will do these things, you will do more than simply repay your debt," Lee said. "You will move us toward a time when all sons and daughters of Mississippi can achieve their greatest career ambitions without leaving the state, unless they desire to do so."