Congratulations Class of 2000

Commencement...moving on... bonding...Senior Week closes with the Baccalaureate Mass, then dinner.

Fr. David, studentsÕ beloved priest and friend, inspires at Mass, and Professor Bill Sullivan gives words of goodbye and Godspeed at dinner. On Saturday, Commencement Day, seniors became graduates by this traditional rite of passage. Assumption becomes ÒMy Alma Mater.Ó President Plough thanked the students for their loving support, and they stood to be honored. What applause! Laura Raymond Õ00 led her class in celebrating all they have been at Assumption and all they will be in the future. Commencement speaker Ken Apfel, Commissioner of Social Security, spoke about Òwork,Ó describing authentic work as Òsomething you love, and something that allows you to contribute to yourselve

s, your families, and your communities...something important and gratifying and essential to your soul.Ó The College proudly graduated 400 undergraduates, 113 graduates, and 17 associate degree recipients. Bishop Daniel Reilly closed the ceremony with the reminder to not Òbe a number,Ó ironic in relation to speaker ApfelÕs title. Here are Professor SullivanÕs closing comments: ÒThese words to an old Bob Dylan song sum up what I wish for all of you: May God bless and keep you always, may your wishes all come true, May you always do for others and let others do for you, May you build a ladder to the stars and climb on every rung, And may you stay forever young. May you grow up to be righteous, may you grow up to be true, May you always know the truth and see the lights surrounding you, May you always be courageous, stand upright and be strong, And may you stay forever young. May your hands always be busy, may your feet always be swift, May you have a strong foundation when the winds of changes shift, May your heart always be joyful, may your song always be sung, And may you stay forever young.Ó