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WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS | COMMENCEMENT 2014 | NYUNEWS.COM
58 BACHELOR DEGREE GRADUATES
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GLOBAL LIBERAL STUDIES
TUESDAY, MAY 20 | 11 A.M. | RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES, IRONICALLY, UNDERLINE THE INHERENT SIMILARITIES IN THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE. — Michael Maisel, student speaker
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HANNAH LUU/WSN
Despite the small number of graduates, the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts buzzed with excitement for Global Liberal Studies’ commencement ceremony. Family and friends were welcomed by dean Fred Schwarzback, who introduced keynote speaker Linda Mills, vice chancellor for Global Programs and University Life. Mills called the graduates “a new form of global leader, with the capacity to do it all, have a global mindset and become a 21st century diplomat.” Mills encouraged graduates to go forth in the world and use their skills to convert conflicts into peace. Valedictorian Michael Maisel said GLS is a degree in international storytelling, and he asked his classmates to always remember that universal truths exist despite cultural differences. In the presentation of the candidates, each graduate was given a personalized stole, embroidered with the flags of the countries in which they studied during their time at NYU. BRYNA SHUMAN
GALLATIN SCHOOL OF INDIVIDUALIZED STUDY
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BACHELOR DEGREE GRADUATES
TUESDAY, MAY 20 | 7:30 P.M. | AVERY FISHER HALL, LINCOLN CENTER
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PEOPLE DON’T HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THE THINGS THAT YOU DO, JUST LET THEM WITNESS ALL THE THINGS THAT YOU ACHIEVE. — John Ridley, Academy Award-winning screenwriter
FELIPE DE LA HOZ/WSN
Change, celebration and a look toward solving the problems that face our generation — from social equality to climate change — seemed to be instilled in each speech presented at the graduating ceremony of the Gallatin School of Individualized Study. Dean Susanne Wofford utilized musical references to demonstrate the essential role creativity has on political change. Ulrich Baer, vice provost for the Faculty, Arts, Humanities and Diversity, gave an inspirational speech which acknowledged that the graduating class is “a class of worldly students,” capable of being fully engaged and present in the world. Academy Award-winning screenwriter and Gallatin alumnus John Ridley described his personal college journey and how he only faced success in school when he was presented with concepts and subjects that inspired him. Ridley moved the audience as he tearfully gave the advice that, “Success are those times in life when you’re happy to be you.” The ceremony ended with a nostalgic performance from student Audra LaBrosse, who sung a fitting song with the lyrics “We are what’s happening,” a reminder of the journey the class of 2014 is about to embark on. DANA RESZUTEK
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