Adventure Awaits

Graduates urged to embrace change

When faced with two paths, people often want to take the safe route because they want to avoid obstacles along the way. During the college’s 192nd commencement exercises, keynote speaker Jim Thornton ’94 asked the Class of 2023 to be open to new opportunities.

“My simple suggestion is that you practice change,” he said. “The only way to improve is to practice. Practice your own ability to adapt to change rather than offering resistance. Embracing change and seeing it as a friend rather than a foe is likely to result in a more fulfilling life.”

Thornton told graduates how to live dynamically. “A dynamic life doesn’t fight change, but rather welcomes it and does so even when it involves risk,” he said. “It’s OK to fail so long as it doesn’t stop us from trying again.”

In addition to giving the commencement address, Thornton received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Longtime LC donors Louis and Mary Kay Smith were presented with Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees. (Story on page 29).

The ceremony also recognized Distinguished Service Alumni Award Recipient Shearon Glover ’72. (Story on page 22).

Waights G. Henry Jr. Leadership Award Recipient Emma Rose ’23 encouraged her peers to keep climbing the hills they will come across in their future endeavors.

“When you reach the top of the hill, don’t forget to look back and thank the ones who helped you get here,” she said. “The summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters.”