|
 In his
Commencement address to the Class of 2006, CBS News correspondent
Randall Pinkston encouraged Millsaps College
graduates to understand the impact they can have on the lives of
others, urging them to play a part in building a brighter future
for the state and the world. Pinkston, 2003 Alumnus of the Year
and the recipient this year of an honorary doctor of humane letters
degree, was heard by more than 2,500 in attendance at Millsaps’ 112th
annual Commencement ceremonies, held on Saturday, May 13, in the campus Bowl.
"Be bold, be courageous and always measure people by the content
of their character,” said Frances Lucas, president of the
College, in her introductory remarks. “Today, as you come
to learn more about our honorary degree recipients, you will hear
this mantra time and again: The common thread of ‘giving
back’ is woven among them all.”
Likewise, Pinkston urged the Class of 2006 to live compassionately
and said even the smallest gesture could make a difference in people’s
lives. He recalled his childhood dream of one day flying on an
airplane, and as a child of 12 or 13 bicycling to the Jackson airport.
A flight attendant saw him at the gate and invited him aboard a
propeller plane, showing him how the seatbelt worked and offering
him a Coke. “I sat there for a few minutes, sipping the Coke,
enjoying the air-conditioning, dreaming that someday I would fly,” Pinkston
said. “A moment made possible by a kind woman. It was a little
thing that was a big deal for a child who would someday become
a frequent flyer all over the world.”
Other honorary degree recipients were Dr. Satnam L. Sethi, a Jackson
businessman who has led the construction of more than 60 restaurants
and hotels across the mid-South, who was awarded an honorary doctor
of laws degree; the Reverend Keith Tonkel of Jackson, renowned
for his commitment to an inner-city ministry, who was awarded an
honorary doctor of divinity degree; and Leila Clark Wynn, an executive
and philanthropist from Greenville, who was awarded an honorary
doctor of public service degree.
The Millsaps Founders’ Medal went to Megan Elizabeth Holcomb,
who ranked at the top of her class with a 4.0 GPA and completed
a double major in economics and political science. She is bound
for New York University Law School. Jason Jarin was honored for
his essay on the value of a Millsaps liberal arts education with
the Frank and Rachel Anne Laney Award. Jarin plans to attend the
University of Mississippi School of Medicine. 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 bestowed upon Katherine Elizabeth Miksa.
 The winner of the Distinguished Professor Award was Dr. Jamie B.
Harris, associate professor of geology. Harris has created a national
reputation in his field and has brought to Millsaps students countless
opportunities for research as well as national recognition.
Pinkston, an Emmy-winning broadcast journalist who has covered
for CBS some of the most defining world events of our time, delivered
an impassioned plea that graduates go forth with a spirit of service,
informed by history. He cited the role Millsaps played as a “beacon” during
the civil rights era and how faculty worked behind the scenes to
help create opportunities in local broadcasting for African Americans. “Like
it or not, your future here will be shaped by our state’s
past,” he said. “As you begin your careers and become
corporate, religious and political leaders of tomorrow, I urge
you to remember how our history shaped our present. Building on
that, Mississippi can have an even brighter future.”
Calendar
of events
|
Error processing SSI file
