Contact: Allison Matthews
Photo by: Russ Houston
Young professionals are entering the workforce at a time when a distressed economy and the War on Terror mean challenges are inherent for a new generation of leaders, a nationally prominent judge and historical scholar told Mississippi State graduates Friday night [Dec. 9].
Frank J. Williams, former chief justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, delivered the university's commencement address at Humphrey Coliseum. More than 1,200 students were scheduled to receive fall semester degrees.
Williams told the audience he takes comfort in knowing that our nation has prevailed despite tough times in the past.
"You, the new leaders of America, are charged with an important duty--the preservation of democracy," he said.
Listed in Lawdragon.com as one of America's leading jurists, Williams was appointed by President George W. Bush in 2003--and given the rank of major general--to the then-Military Commissions Review Panel for tribunals to be held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Later, Congress created the Court of Military Commission Review, on which Williams continues serving as chief judge.
Williams is widely considered among the nation's leading authorities on the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. He chairs The Lincoln Forum, a national assembly of Lincoln and Civil War devotees.
"It is up to you to seize life," he said. "Our nation needs men and women like you to help bind up its wounds. I am confident that you are well equipped to do just that. Through the efforts of hardworking Americans like you, who cherish patriotism, loyalty, friendship, family, service and sacrifice, all will yet be well again."
Williams went on to advise the graduates, "Whether your actions and decisions affect one community, another person, or a nation, someone will remember how you lived your life. The choices you make will create the legacy for which you are remembered."
The noted historian also serves as president of the Ulysses S. Grant Association. In late 2009, the Grant Association signed an agreement with MSU's Mitchell Memorial Library, which became the official host of the Grant papers. He praised the university's work to preserve Grant's correspondence and papers.
The collection involves some 15,000 linear feet of correspondence, research notes, artifacts, photographs, scrapbooks, and memorabilia and is the largest single collection of material of and about the famed Civil War general and 18th U.S. president.