Ralston challenges UMUC graduates to use degrees as springboards for success
By Dan O’Brien,
Stars and Stripes
Michael Abrams / Stars and Stripes
Gen. Joseph W. Ralston, Supreme Allied Commander Europe gives the commencement address at
the 2001 University of Maryland commencement ceremony in Eppelheim, Germany on Sunday. |
EPPELHEIM, Germany — To the audible delight of family and friends in attendance,
the University of Maryland University College held graduation ceremonies Sunday for
students earning degrees in a variety of disciplines.
Whoops and hollers could be heard as graduates slowly made their way up one aisle of
the Rhein-Neckar-Hall to the stage where their names were announced and diplomas exchanged
with a smile and a handshake.
Although only about 300 graduates actually attended the commencement exercises, more
than 1,500 students earned degrees this year from U.M.U.C., a consortium of five Maryland
state educational institutions.
The school offers programs at nearly 100 U.S. military sites in 22 countries.
"It feels great," said Staff Sgt. Chris Willis, awaiting his turn up on the
stage.
The Whitehall, N.Y., native spent nine years, the entire time he’s been in the Air
Force, working toward a bachelor of arts degree in business and management.
"I’ve already been accepted to [officer training school], so I’m on my
way," he said.
To the sounds of a brass band playing Elgar’s "Pomp and Circumstance,"
the commencement exercise began with U.M.U.C.-Europe Associate Dean John C. Golembe
leading the graduates into the hall.
Approximately 700 spectators, some of them fanning themselves with programs, sat in the
back of the hall and on its bleachers as the first of six honorary speakers took to the
podium.
"It’s not as full as last year, but that was a special occasion," said
Steve LeShay, director of marketing communications for U.M.U.C.-Europe.
The school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2000.
Gen. Joseph W. Ralston, Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander in Chief of the
U.S. European Command, the commencement address speaker, said he was proud so many troops
take advantage of U.M.U.C. programs to further their education.
"Now that you’ve earned it, what are you going to do with it?" he asked
the graduates. "That’s the diploma challenge and your final exam. Don’t let
this degree represent an end … but a beginning."
Just before the students began walking to the stage to receive their diplomas, Donald
N. Langenberg, chancellor of the University System of Maryland, said he would veer from
most normal commencement speeches and accept advice instead of offering it.
"If you have any advice for me," he told the graduates, "see me after
the ceremony."
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