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!

Geoffrey Canada, nationally recognized for his pioneering work helping children and families in Harlem and as a passionate advocate for education reform, will deliver the keynote address at Colgate's 188th commencement exercises at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 17, in Sanford Field House.

During the ceremony, Colgate will award Canada a Doctor of Humane Letters honorary degree.

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.