Commencement 2006: Make a difference
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| Paul Krugman |
Clare Brett Smith |
Robert Hurst |
Evelyn Witkin |
On Sunday, May 21, as Clark celebrated its 101st commencement. The University awarded 518 bachelor's degrees, 463 master's degrees and 33 doctorates. The ceremonies were a showcase for Clark's intercultural community, with graduating students representing 50 nations. Rebecca Dezan '06 delivered the senior address. Read an excerpt from her speech.
Internationally recognized economist Paul Krugman delivered the commencement address. Krugman's research and writings on international trade and international finance have changed the way people think about the field of international economics. He is recognized as one of the founders of "new trade theory" a major rethinking of the theory of international trade and was honored for this work with the American Economics Association's 1991 John Bates Clark Medal, a prize given every two years to an "economist under 40 who is adjudged to have made a significant contribution to economic knowledge." The author or editor of 20 books and more than 200 papers, Krugman is also widely known for his opinion-editorial columns in the New York Times and for his articles in the Harvard Business Review, Scientific American and other journals. He has taught at Yale, Stanford and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and served on the White House Council of Economic Advisors from 1982 to 1983. He is currently professor of economics and international affairs at Princeton University.
In his address, Krugman highlighted the parallels between the year he graduated from college (1974) and 2006. The nation's first energy crisis was at its height in 1974, "which was bad for the world, but good for my career," Krugman said, noting that the situation prompted him to pursue further study in economics. He also noted that 1974 was a time of war, political scandals and presidential abuses of power.
Krugman also spoke about a "culture of self absorption" during the 1980s and 1990s, describing how his college students didn't pay attention to anything outside of their studies. Krugman said he was caught up in the same culture of self absorption. At that time, he was giving many speeches to business groups and conferences, and while he made money doing it and never said anything in which he didn't believe, the work was not very fulfilling. When he began to write for the New York Times, Krugman took it as an opportunity to enliven public debate.
"The newspaper's original idea was that I would write a column that was supposed to be about business and economics," Krugman said, explaining that he was asked to stay clear of politics. "My life would've been a lot quieter if I'd stayed with that original mandate, and I wouldn't be getting, as I do these days, lots of letters so angry that I have to pick up my mail with tongs."
Krugman said there was too much happening politically in this country for him not to get involved with the debate. And he's glad he's speaking up.
"My life is harder than it was...but it feels a whole lot more meaningful."
Krugman, who received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, charged members of the Class of 2006 to take on the same meaningful involvement with the world.
"Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to play a role in current events," Krugman said, and to get involved "when getting involved can make a difference."
The undergraduate and graduate students in the Class of 2006 have already taken up this mission in many ways during their years at Clark. As alumni, they are certain to strengthen the University's mission of challenging convention and changing our world for the better.
Other honorary degree recipients were: Evelyn Witkin, renowned geneticist and Barbara McClintock Professor Emerita at Rutgers University, who received a Doctor of Science degree; former Clark Trustee Robert Hurst '66, founding CEO of the 9/11 United Services Group, who received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree; and Clare Brett Smith, former president of Aid to Artisans, who received a Doctor of Humane Letters degree. More information about the honorary degree recipients is online.
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