By University Communications Staff
Ambassador Samantha Power to the UVM Class of 2014 on Sunday: “You, as in you personally, can make a profound difference if you set your mind to it. You have lived in the shadow of the Vermont peaks for four years, and I urge you to make it your task to overcome mountains that others have found too high to scale.” (Read full UVM commencement coverage on UVM Today.)
Nearly 3,000 students received diplomas on Sunday. Degree recipients came from 41 states and included 84 international students from 20 countries.
UVM president Tom Sullivan told graduates that the combination of determination, resilience and perseverance equals “true grit” and would ultimately determine their success.
About 8,000 people gathered on a sun-drenched day on the UVM Green.
As for those who think they can’t change the world, Power told graduates not to raise the bar too high. “Start by doing what it is in your power to do right here and now.”
Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin implored graduates to remain in Vermont and use their ability to connect their newfound knowledge with their heart.
At this year’s ceremonies, approximately 2,904 graduates received diplomas, including 2,359 bachelor’s, 324 master’s, 112 doctoral and 109 M.D. degree recipients.
Approximately 1,059 of this year’s graduates are from Vermont.
Power told students, “We live in a world that cannot afford to do without the moral voice, the clarion vision, and hopeful promise of America and the American dream.”
