"To some generations much is given. Of other generations much is expected. This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny," said bestselling author Greg Iles, quoting President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Iles gave the commencement address to Millsaps College graduates Saturday morning.
"You as a generation are going to be tested," Iles said in the outdoor ceremony in the Bowl. "There are no simple answers and you must learn to trust yourself."
At the college’s 114th annual commencement ceremonies 252 undergraduates and 64 graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas as family members and friends of the Class of 2008 looked on.
Iles advised the graduates not to put off what they wanted to achieve in life, to work at something they loved and to not necessarily do the same thing until retirement. He also urged them to be proud of their Southern and Mississippi roots.
"You are from a section of the country that still has its own identity," Iles said. "Go out and test yourself against people all over the country, all over the world. But when you’re done with that I want you to think about coming here."
Iles, a longtime citizen of Natchez, is known for writing in a variety of genres. His novels have been published in 26 languages and eleven have become New York Times bestsellers. His work includes popular fiction such as "True Evil," "Turning Angel," "Blood Memory," "Sleep No More" and "Black Cross."
"I choose to write about life but most people want to read about a hero," Iles said. "In my books I deal with the line between good and evil that runs right down the line of the human heart. The defining quality of a hero is sacrifice."
During the ceremony, Iles was honored with a doctor of humane letters for his unique voice in contemporary fiction.
Other honorary degree recipients were Martha Bergmark, who received a doctor of public service for her work with the Mississippi Center for Justice; Leslie B. McLemore, who was recognized with a doctor of public service for his activism carrying from the Civil Rights era to the present; and John Stone, who was recognized with a doctor of humane letters for his work in medicine and writing.
The Millsaps Founders’ Medal, awarded to the graduating senior with the highest grade point average for the entire college course of study and a grade of excellent on the comprehensive examinations, went to Beth Ann Baker, a French and chemistry major.
Chelsi Amelia West, an anthropology major, was honored for her essay on the value of a Millsaps liberal arts education with the Frank and Rachel Anne Laney Award.
The Don Fortenberry Award, which recognizes the graduating senior who has demonstrated the most notable, meritorious, diligent and devoted service to the college with no expectation of recognition, reward or public remembrance, was given to John Alexander Kellogg, who majored in psychology.
The winner of the Distinguished Professor Award was Dr. Michael Galaty, associate professor of anthropology.
