Class of 2003 celebrates 'best day of the year'

by Daniel J. Fitzgibbons, Chronicle staff

Students from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences jump for joy at Sunday's Commencement. (Stan Sherer photo)

ndaunted by overcast skies and a slight delay caused by traffic tie-ups on roads leading to campus, the Class of 2003 celebrated its academic success during the 133rd Undergraduate Commencement ceremony held at McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

     As an estimated 22,000 guests watched from the bleachers and seats on the field, President William M. Bulger conferred 4,305 degrees in nearly 100 majors to students from 42 states and 28 countries.

     "It's the best day of the year," Chancellor John V. Lombardi told the graduates, "when we assemble together as a university and recognize what our students have done. We recognize what our institution is capable of doing and we recognize the tremendous amount of support and assistance that's necessary to make all of this happen.

     "This is the moment when we march in together in our penguin suits, all looking alike. We do it to symbolize that the knowledge that we cultivate and care about here belongs to all of us. ... no matter who we are, no matter where we come from or what our objectives are in life."

     But the chancellor, presiding over his first Commencement since taking office last summer, said the uniformity of the graduates' caps and gowns contrasted with their individual aspirations and accomplishments during their years of study.

     "I come here to celebrate what you achieved," said Lombardi. "This university is better for your participation in it and all of us thank you very much for that."

     Extending his own congratulations to the seniors, their families and the faculty, Bulger then addressed a plea to the graduates: "Remember the University. Become its advocates. Let us rely upon you as part of our constituency as we make the case for the University in the various forums in which we must make our case successfully if others are to enjoy the kind of day that today we are enjoying so much."

     The student speaker, Theater and English major Matt Dunphy, overcame some initial nervousness and microphone problems to charm the audience and his classmates with a speech sprinkled with wisdom from his kindergarten teacher to Walt Disney, playwright Tom Stoppard and Dr. Seuss.

     Quoting a character he played in Stoppard's "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" during the semester, Dunphy said, "'Look on every exit as an entrance somewhere else' and really, isn't that what brings us all together here ... As much as this day may feel like an end, in reality aren't we really just getting started?"

     At one point, Dunphy paused as a beach ball was batted around by the graduates on the field in front of him. "I love this place," he said.

     Regardless of how each of his classmates spent their undergraduate years, he said, "We are who we are today because of our time at UMass."

     Recalling a passage from Dr. Seuss' "Oh the Places You Will Go," Dunphy said, "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction that you choose. You're on your own and you know what you know and you are the one who will decide where to go."

     In a final homage to his stage training, Dunphy said, "The University of Massachusetts has prepared us. They have given us our costumes and they have helped us rehearse our lines. This is our beautiful sweeping exit from one grand stage and our motivated, educated entrance onto an even grander stage: the rest of the world. Mr. Bulger? Mr. Lombardi? We're ready for our close-up."

     Honorary degrees were conferred on two alumni: Kathleen A. Cote, managing partner of Boston Commerce Ventures, and Steven M. Gluckstern, founding managing director of Azimuth Alternative Asset Management.

     The ceremony also featured the inaugural presentation of the 21st Century Leader Awards. Sponsored by the Chancellor's Office and the Alumni Association, the awards are intended to recognize students who are academically accomplished and have contributed to the University by exceptional achievements that distinguish themselves or enhance the reputation of the campus. The 11 recipients were Heather A. Berthiaume of North Dighton; Christina Calvaneso of Coto de Caza, Calif.; Jorge L. Oliver Diaz of Yaucom, Puerto Rico; Kristin Leigh Forloney of Amherst; Judd E. Galloway of Burlington, Iowa; Jonathan J. Laubinger of Bridgewater; Erica Holly Mattison of Brookline; William A. Powers of Danvers; Heather L. Ruel of Granby; Doug White of Claremont, Calif.; and Nicole Marie Yukna of Norton.

     The leadership awards, which included $1,000 prizes, were presented by Lombardi and Hal Lane, '60, president-elect of the Alumni Association.

     "Never forget," Lane told the the University's newest alumni, "never forget the quality of education you received here. Be advocates for this great university. Stay in touch and good luck."

     Following the ceremony, Lombardi greeted graduates and their families at a reception outside the stadium.