Hunter’s 210th Commencement: A Magnificent Moment

"This is a magnificent moment in all our lives," were the opening words of the commencement address by Andrew Rasiej, founder of Personal Democracy Media, which perfectly captured the spirit of Hunter College's winter commencement on January 22, 2015.

The ceremony began with President Jennifer Raab's opening reflections on the 150-plus countries and five continents represented by Hunter's student body, as well as the obstacles that many "extraordinary" graduates had successfully overcome.  Twyla Tharp, on whom Raab conferred an honorary doctorate of humane letters, was introduced with an overview of her inspiring career, including video of her very first choreographed performance, performed fifty years ago in Room 1604 of Hunter's Art Department.

"You are very, very special," Tharp told the graduates in brief, powerful remarks before she advised them to bring the same determination to their lives that she brought to staging the innovative "Tank Dive" in 1965.  Echoing Rasiej's earlier recollection that he had once earned a job he had really wanted by going back to ask about it every day for two weeks, Tharp added, "If you want something enough, move in!"  

Similarly, passion and determination were also themes expressed by valedictorian Abigail Lyons.

What unites all of the 2015 graduates, Lyons said, is that however difficult the path, "We did not give up." She observed that through the struggles and events of the last four years - from Occupy Wall Street to Hurricane Sandy and the recent protests against racial bias and injustice - Hunter students each time led with their passionate sense of social responsibility.

"The city and state have invested heavily in our future," Lyons continued. "We have the foundation to make a difference in our city and beyond. Never settle. Rather, persevere and thrive."

Click here to see the faces of Hunter's 210th Commencement.