Colby held its 180th commencement on Sunday, May 27, 2001, when 466 members of the Class of 2001 received bachelor of arts degrees. The Reverend Peter J. Gomes of Harvard University told the graduates about the necessity of virtue and the inevitability of failure. "The fine art of failure is the means to the greater art of endurance and ultimately perseverance and success," he said.

Aura M. Janze of Swanton, Vt., valedictorian and class marshal, led the procession of seniors. Todd W. Miner of Westwood, Mass., elected by his classmates to address the convocation, entertained the crowd with a brief interpretive dance and a story about a passing pyromaniac phase in his childhood. President William D. Adams awarded the prestigious Condon Medal, for constructive citizenship, to Jacqueline O. Ogutha of Nairobi, Kenya.

Honorary degrees were presented to Gomes; Gerald Dorros, M.D., cardiologist and president of the Arizona Heart Institute & Foundation; Robert H. Edwards, outgoing president of Bowdoin College; and Linda J. Greenlaw, swordboat captain, author and 1983 Colby graduate.

The weather cooperated, permitting the Class of 2001 to graduate outdoors on the quad in front of Miller Library with faculty, families, and friends in attendance. Though a few sprinkles fell as Dean of Students Janice Kassman read names beginning with "B," heavier precipitation held off until an hour after the ceremony was over.

Read President Adams's Baccalaureate address.

Read the Commencement address by Reverend Peter Gomes

Read Commencement citations for:
Reverend Peter Gomes
Gerald Dorros
Robert H. Edwards
Linda J. Greenlaw '83

 

President William D. Adams presents an honorary doctoral degree to Gerald Dorros, M.D., cardiologist and president of the Arizona Heart Institute & Foundation.		Linda J. Greenlaw, swordboat captain, author and 1983 Colby graduate, received an honorary degree		Robert H. Edwards, outgoing president of Bowdoin College, received an honorary doctoral degree as well.

Todd W. Miner of Westwood, Mass., was elected by his classmates to be the senior class speaker.		The Reverend Peter J. Gomes of Harvard University, gave the commencement address and received an honorary degree.

A graduate is congratulated.		Abdul Razak Aziz in a moment of reflection.		Graduates, families and friends in a reception following commencement.

All photos by Toby Hollis and Jeff Earickson, property of Colby College.