News & Events

In many religions, food is love. Now, thanks to generous contributions from Mike Saperstein '62 and Charles Axelrod '63, Colgate's Michael Saperstein Jewish Center has two brand new hearts: two spacious kitchens where meat and dairy foods can be prepared separately, so traditional kosher meals can be shared.

(Note: The following is the transcribed remarks of Geoffrey Canada, CEO and president of the Harlem Children's Zone, who delivered the commencement address on May 17, 2009.)

Thank you Madame President, the trustees, the distinguished faculty, the administration, the parents. Let me say how excited I am to join my other awardees in receiving this honorary doctorate from such a distinguished university.

Note: The following is Professor Jerry Balmuth's prepared remarks for the baccalaureate service held May 16, 2009.

"The Illusion of Sameness: Differences and Ambivalence"

It must be noted that all of you students share with me the circumstance that this weekend is for each of us, as graduates, a formal goodbye to Colgate and to the wonderful education we've received from this special school -- now our alma mater; the difference between us is simply that it has taken me 55 years to graduate successfully, while you have speeded through brilliantly, in just four years ... more or less!

Note: The following is President Rebecca S. Chopp's prepared remarks to the Class of 2009.

Graduates - congratulations!

Today is a graduation - recognizing hard work and achievement in the classroom, the laboratory, the studio, the stage, and the athletic field.

It was one of the most enduring social experiments of the Communist era: since the revolution of 1917, Russian families from various backgrounds have lived together in urban communal apartments. Colgate professors Alice Nakhimovsky and  Nancy Ries, with colleagues from around the world, have created an online museum to systematically document this unique lifestyle through pictures, video clips, articles, and artifacts.

Colgate Vice President for Alumni Affairs RuthAnn Loveless MA '72 has announced that Timothy Mansfield will be the university's next director of alumni affairs.

(Note: These are remarks delivered by Lesley Stahl at Colgate University's 187th commencement, May 18, 2008)

Thank you. Well first of all I'm so sorry that you're all wet and cold. I'm watching you put on your ponchos; I hope that makes it a little better.

So now I am a member of the Class of 2008, which I am very proud of, and I want to congratulate all of us for today, a triumphful day, a happy day. I am sure you have one little pain because you will be leaving your friends, but otherwise there is this great joy of accomplishment because you guys have crossed the finish line and you know you have earned your degrees and you've all worked hard and it's great.

Music was playing at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City during the third annual Presidents' Club Auction and Reception on May 9, but you never would have known.

Note: The following is the baccalaureate address delivered by Gail O'Day, professor and associate dean of faculty and academic affairs at Candler School of Theology, Emory University. She spoke at Colgate 187th commencement.

President Chopp, members of the Board of Trustees, Colgate faculty and staff, family and friends of the graduating class, and--most importantly--the women and men of the Class of 2008:

Today is your day, and I am honored to share in it with you. As you will experience this afternoon, there is something overpowering and humbling about hearing your family and friends applaud and cheer as they congratulate you for all that you have accomplished. And even though today marks the completion of your time at Colgate, we celebrate commencement, not conclusion. For all the endings that accompany today--leaving this place, leaving your friends--today is ultimately about new beginnings and fresh possibilities.