"Be generous to the world
with your talent.."

Tufts President John DiBiaggio's closing remarks for the
University's 2001 Commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 20, 2001

Medford/Somerville, Mass. [05.20.01] -- Ladies and gentlemen, the scene before those of us seated on the platform is the most spectacular one could ever witness. The brilliant colors, representing the many fields of study at Tufts, are matched only by the shining enthusiasm that radiates at this moment from our graduates.

   They represent our schools of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Nutrition Science and Policy, Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, and the Fletcher School. This truly is a joyous day for Tufts University, as we celebrate these graduates and share in their extraordinary sense of accomplishment.

   And, it is so wonderful to see our graduates surrounded by loving families and friends, who have provided the support and encouragement that have made today's celebration possible. Through kind word and deed, moral and perhaps financial support, families and friends have been instrumental to our graduates' success, and they deserve to be recognized. So I invite the parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, and spouses to stand, so that we may honor you for your contributions to this memorable day.

   In addition, I would like to recognize the outstanding Tufts faculty members who have dedicated themselves to our graduates' education. The faculty are wonderful advisors and mentors, and their influence will continue to be felt by you, our graduates, for many years to come. This is a very special day for our faculty, who shared so much with you and who care about you so deeply. Faculty, please rise and let us express our thanks to you.

   Ladies and gentlemen, if you will allow me to make a personal comment, I would like to say that I am so proud of this University, and so proud to have served as its president for the past 9 years. I will cherish my memories of Tufts mostly because of all of you. Your generous friendship and support, your kindness, and your love for this great University have meant so much to me, and for that, I will be forever grateful.

   Graduates, I would like to leave you with a quotation by Ralph Waldo Emerson, that has always been very special to me. It is called, "Success":

Success
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a little bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

   Now graduates, your moment has come. May you always remember these wonderful times, and this very special place on the Hill where you learned so much, and grew in such remarkable ways. Be generous to the world with your talent, and use your Tufts education to good and worthwhile purposes. Remember that this place will always be a home to you, and that you will always be a part of the Tufts University family.

   Good-bye, and best wishes for a happy and productive life!