University of Arkansas Board of Trustees Chairman Carl Johnson awards the honorary degree to the Dalai Lama while University of Arkansas System President B. Alan Sugg adjusts the stole.
In recent years, April and May have become whirlwind months in Fayetteville. Last week was the final week of school and it was jam packed with events, activities and programs.
On Wednesday, His Holiness the Dalai Lama spent the entire day on campus. He took part in a panel discussion on non-violence and later addressed a packed Bud Walton Arena (estimates ranged from 10,000 to 14,000 attendees.) His afternoon session, which dealt with inner peace and our relationships with each other, also included his acceptance of an honorary degree from the University of Arkansas. He wore his red and white hood throughout his address.
On Saturday, commencement ceremonies began at 7:30 a.m. and continued for nearly 12 hours as degrees were conferred upon a record class of nearly 4,000 graduates. The ceremonies contained much human drama. Included in the graduates were non-traditional students completing years of studies while also juggling jobs and family responsibilities. Traditional students were joined by proud parents, many of whom breathed a sigh of relief over the cessation of tuition payments.
Two special graduates were honorary degree recipients Lewis Epley, former Board of Trustees chairman, Christopher Mercer, one of the Six Pioneers, the original African-American law students who followed Silas Hunt, and B. Alan Sugg, retiring president of the University of Arkansas System. Each man has been an exemplary leader in Arkansas.
The day also included the unusual. Lothaire Scott Green, who earned her master’s in elementary education in 1951, finally received it at a commencement. Her daughter accepted the degree 60 years later. Mrs. Green had been denied the right to “walk” because of Jim Crow segregation laws.
Caleb Lowery earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture. Caleb, who entered college at age 15, took the required five years for this degree and joined his classmates in the Class of 2011.
Finally, Kelly Story received her Master of Arts in Teaching and then was surprised by a marriage proposal as soon as she left the stage. She accepted.
One wonders where these graduates will be in 10 or 20 years. Hopefully, they will keep close to the University through the Alumni Association wherever they go. We know they will be successful.
A few weeks ago, Arkansas Business, a business journal in the state identified its Power List of 187 influential Arkansans. The list contained 48 graduates and four former students of the University. More than a quarter of the state’s leaders were educated on The Hill. Makes you proud to be a Razorback.
It would appear that the Dalai Lama and his lectures on non violence,admirable though they may be,have fallen upon a world paying largely zero attention. Maybe he should reexamine his message,or possibily take a hard look into a mirror and rethink his own sense ofu00a0REALISTIC worth.u00a0u00a0
It would appear that the Dalai Lama and his lectures on non violence,admirable though they may be,have fallen upon a world paying largely zero attention. Maybe he should reexamine his message,or possibily take a hard look into a mirror and rethink his own sense of REALISTIC worth.