Jennifer Alexander and Mark Masselli, town leaders and activists were awarded for their accomplishments, their devotion to the city of Middletown, and their vision with honorary degrees from Wesleyan University today.
The commencement was held under brilliant skies after morning thunderstorms fled South and left the air crisp and warm.
President Michael Roth, invoking the memory of murdered student Johanna Justin-Jinich, reminded the students that the event which rocked the college and the city two weeks ago, was a reminder of the work that needed to be done in the world. He told students they could honor Justin-Jinich by pursuing improvements in woman's health, by working to make more sensible handgun laws, and by working to abolish violence against women.
"The status quo is idiocy," Roth reminded students.
In accepting her honorary degree Jennifer Alexander quoted from Charlotte's Web reminding graduates that they were like Charlotte's babies - aloft on a wind to new places and experiences where they would build their own webs. She also said that some spider children will build their webs close to home, and that it's not only good for those around the spider, but for the spiders themselves.
"The simple act of staying," Alexander said of her decision to remain in Middletown after graduation. "Brought more joy and accomplishment than I could ever have imagined."
Mark Masselli, CEO of the Community Health Center, told graduates that he would speak a few words that were not being spoken at graduations around the country."
"We're hiring," Masselli said of his health center for underserved populations. "Let me repeat that once for the parents. We're hiring."
Masselli acknowledged that student may not take him up on his offer but that these Wesleyan grads, like many before would find ways to to good in the world.
Author Anna Quindlen began her talk by admitting, "I am not Barack Obama." She urged students to forgo material gain for other rewards.
"Stuff is not salvation," she said as she urged students to pursue meaning and accomplishments in ways that would provide adventure and innovation.
UPDATE: Watch all the speeches here.
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