The 57th annual commencement ceremonies of Claremont McKenna College were held on Sunday, May 16, in Badgley Garden's Walker Pavilion, a sunny and celebratory day for the 288 members of the Class of 2004 and their families and friends, with remarks from three-term United States Senator Bill Bradley.
Bradley, also a Rhodes Scholar, author, Olympian, 2000 Presidential candidate, and member of the NBA Hall of Fame, shared his thoughts on America: The Path Ahead. He challenged graduates to not only put their educations to work, but also use their capacities "to see, to feel and to give Hatred is a self-indulgence that you cannot afford, and that America cannot afford," he said, "to feel a neighbor's pain and suffering as well as her joy . . . to feel your own strengths and weaknesses, and from that knowledge, face the future with clarity; and to give without expectation of getting anything in return."
In her Charge to the Class, President Pamela Gann complimented students for "already doing a lot of what Senator Bradley said for you to continue to do." Said Gann, "You're a very caring class; a very feeling class; and you are very involved in your community and in the world."
Bradley received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree, presented by President Gann, with sponsors Roderic Camp, the Philip M. McKenna Professor of the Pacific Rim, and Trustee Barbara Wallace. Degrees were conferred by William Ascher, vice president and dean of the faculty, and Peter K. Barker '70, Chair, CMC Board of Trustees. Faculty Marshal was Jack Pitney, professor of government and recipient of the 2004 Glenn R. Huntoon Award for Superior Teaching. Remarks were delivered by Senior Class President Dustin Beckett, and co-valedictorians Michael Benke and Christina Williams served as student marshals. Daniel Amtmann and Michelle Rothzeid delivered the Latin Salutation, Whatsoever the Winds May Be, and senior Beau Miller closed the ceremonies with a benediction.
The afternoon concluded with a reception on Parents Field.