By Mike Harris, University Relations
Betty Ray McCain addresses graduates at the university's 115th annual commencement.
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Posted 5-11-07
“Great expectations” was the oft-repeated phrase during the commencement address at UNCG’s 115th exercises Friday, May 11, at the Greensboro Coliseum, where more than 2,200 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students received their diplomas.
“I truly have ‘great expectations’ that each of you will be the best that you can be and that as UNCG graduates you’ll know you can,” said Betty Ray McCain, former secretary of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources.
She spoke of Charles Dickens, the writer of “Great Expectations,” and how he helped motivate others to improve the quality of life of their fellow human beings, “just the way you graduates will.” Known for her sense of humor, McCain had jokes to tell.
“The first great expectation we have of you is that you will be caring and compassionate,” she said. Two of our greatest societal problems today are ignorance and apathy, she said, recalling a door-to-door poll she’d conducted. She’d asked a woman at the first door her opinion on today’s ignorance and apathy. The woman replied, “I don’t know, and I don’t care.”
A student celebrates her new degree during commencement at the Greensboro Coliseum.
“Our second is that you will continue your education with lifelong learning,” she continued.” With new technologies, the world is changing rapidly. “In fact, a friend of mine said she accidentally sat on her Blackberry the other day and bought a house in Connecticut,” she said.
Other expectations included loyalty, taking risks and daring to change the world, having faith and being enthusiastic. “Enthusiasm is at the bottom of all progress” she observed. “With it, there is accomplishment. Without it, there are only alibis.”
The final expectation: Courage. “I hope many of you will choose public service – that you will serve our democracy at every level,” as you use that courage, she said.
“You will be friends for life. You will be a Spartan till you die. It’s now part of your DNA,” she told those graduating, as they waited to turn their tassels.
She concluded by echoing the words of Tiny Tim in Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”: “Godspeed to all of you, and God bless us, every one.”
Chancellor Patricia A. Sullivan led the ceremony, and Dr. A. Edward Uprichard, who is retiring as provost on June 30, took part in his final commencement as chief academic officer.
Senior class speaker Nicole Steele reflected on the improvements at the university over her four years here – and how each of her fellow students had likewise changed for the better. As she looked at her fellow seniors, she said, “I am challenging you to make a difference … You don’t have to change the world in one day. All you have to do is recognize the need for change and inspire others to do the same.”
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees were presented to McCain and two others: E.S. (Jim) Melvin, president of the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation and a former mayor of Greensboro, and Irwin “Ike” Belk of Charlotte, a philanthropist and the retired president of the Belk Group Inc. retail chain.
As the closing note, Dr. Neill McLeod, Class of 1957, and Jim Hooper, Class of 2007, rang the University Bell, continuing a campus tradition observed since 1892.
