Hunter’s 211th Commencement: Madison Square Garden Fills with Cheers for the Class of 2015

On Wednesday, May 27, Hunter held its 211th Commencement at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden.  

In her tribute to the Class of 2015, President Jennifer J. Raab noted the many dignitaries present, including Chancellor James B. Milliken.  Raab told the stories of graduates who had overcome extraordinary obstacles to excel at Hunter. In many cases, she said, these high achievers are the first in their families to earn a college degree.

The news media’s same-day Hunter Commencement coverage highlighted the story of Maya Leggat ‘15, who continued her studies from a hospital bed after she was pushed into the path of a Metro North train in September 2013.  An honors student and aspiring human rights lawyer, Leggat was surprised on the Garden stage by the MTA officers who saved her life.

As President Raab introduced the commencement speaker, Senator George Mitchell, she noted that, like so many of the graduates, Senator Mitchell had come from a blue-collar family and worked his way through school. She also noted that one of his many legislative accomplishments – years before he made history by helping broker Northern Ireland’s peace agreement – was the passage of a higher education bill expanding college opportunities for millions of Americans.

Senator Mitchell expressed his delight at being asked address the graduates of this “great institution of higher learning in New York, the greatest city in the world.” He then reminded the students of their obligation to give back to society.

“Each of you will have your own concerns that need to be righted. If you believe that every American child is entitled to a good education regardless of background or wealth, you must oppose what would deny them the opportunity,” he said.” Speak out against all forms of discrimination and justice. Never forget that in the presence of evil, silence makes you an accomplice.”

An honorary doctorate in humane letters was awarded to musicologist Frayda Lindemann ‘60, a former member of the Hunter faculty who is a longtime supporter of young musical talent and the managing director and vice president of the Metropolitan Opera Association.

“Treat everything you do as if it were a work of art,” Dr. Lindemann said. “To an artist, good enough is never acceptable.” She cautioned that in a “very competitive world,” it is wise not only to stand out by offering something exceptional, but to also “choose your friends carefully – the allies who can keep you on course.”

Talent, creativity and high aspirations were also the themes of the valedictory address by Lin Que Ayoung ’15. The class had three other valedictorians as well – Simon Ayzman,  Hunter Gross and Saveliy Kelebeyev  – and it was decided by all four that the speaker be Ayoung, a filmmaker who received a major scholarship this year from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

“Whether we’ve studied medicine, law, journalism, education, psychology or sociology,” she told her classmates, “I believe we are all artists. It is in our nature to create.” Ayoung exhorted every graduate to dream BIG  – a lesson she said she learned from her “amazing professors, fellow diligent students, inspiring mentors and compassionate loved ones.” The ability to dream big, she said, “will always be there for us as long as we are willing to honor our strength, embrace our intelligence, and put up a hell of a fight!”

Click here to view photographs from Hunter's 211th Commencement.