Graduation

Graduation went well this morning. Thirty-nine graduates were listed in the program. A few more than that actually walked.

The weather was a bit cloudy in the morning, but by the time the ceremony started, it was quite warm and sunny. Unfortunately, I forgot the sunscreen again this year, so am now treating a sun burn.

Congressman Jim Ryun of Kansas spoke at the graduation. He recounted how the Whig party was divided and lost power over the issue of slavery, as the party did what was politically expedient, rather than what was morally right. He make comparisons between those events and the current position of the Republican party. He suggested that the party has a choice of either doing what is politically expedient--supporting candidates that may compromise on the issues of abortion or marriage to try to maintain the majority and power of the party--or what is morally right.

One of the graudates gave a "Charge to Future Graduates" and emphasized that the important accomplishments aren't about getting the big-name positions or being in the lime-light. The bigger goal is to influence people. She made references to and quoted part of C.S. Lewis's essay, "Weight of Glory."

"There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilization--these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit--immortal horrors or everlasting splendours."

In the President's Remarks, Michael Farris praised and encouraged the graduates and noted,

"There are those who think that we have tried to turn you into conservative robots. If that was our goal, we have utterly failed. Somewhere along the way, you got the idea that you could read, think, evaluate, consider, ponder, debate (especially debate), and rethink.

Of course this was the plan."

Farris ended with a challenge,

"You are now charged with a mission. Eliminate tyranny. Advance justice. Stand for liberty and self-government. Promote virtue.
. . .
But by the grace of God I believe that tyranny has met his match in each and every one of you because you believe in Christ and in liberty."

Congratulations to all of the graduates! While the members of the inaugural class will be missed on campus, they are sent away with our best wishes, our hopes, and our prayers to accomplish the mission which God has for them and for which they have been prepared.

Added Note: All of this was witnessed by a camera crew from 60 Minutes.