(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.

With the same conviction that characterizes his work as a passionate advocate for education and social-services reform, Geoffrey Canada urged members of Colgate's Class of 2009 to continue the "pursuit of truth and enlightenment for the betterment of society and not solely for the betterment of yourselves."

"I believe in you. You are about to join a select group who must be unafraid to take on the toughest issues," said Canada during his address in Sanford Field House for the university's 188th commencement ceremony.

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.

Members of the Class of 2009 will walk into Sanford Field House on Sunday as seniors and walk out as alumni after taking part in Colgate's 188th commencement exercises.

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.

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: 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.

Colgate graduates on Sunday were urged to help change the mood of a nation beset by concerns over the Iraq war, gasoline prices, and even food prices.

Lesley Stahl, of CBS's 60 Minutes, speaks to graduates on Sunday. (Photo by Susan Kahn)

Stahl said seniors are leaving the beautiful Colgate campus and entering an "America not as happy as it has been in the past."

"We have allowed the terrorists to terrorize us into a society of timidity. We feel angst, and cold feet," she said.

But the country has showed resilience by bouncing back from similar "down" periods in our history, she said, because "courage and grit are in our DNA."

"We come from hearty stock," said Stahl. "All of us."

Note: The following is President Rebecca S. Chopp's prepared remarks to the Class of 2008.

On this day of joy and celebration, let us begin by thanking those who have made this occasion possible. Every graduate who walks across this stage is supported by many here at Colgate and at home who have worked hard to ensure the opportunities our students have enjoyed.

The family members and friends here today -- and waiting at home -- have made it possible for you to flourish. Join me in thanking your parents, grandparents, and other family members and friends who have supported your education in so many ways.

Thank you!

The Class of 2008's "green" gift to the university was the subject of an article in The Post-Standard.(Syracuse)

The class has raised about $23,000 to launch a fund that will help the college reduce energy use. About 94 percent of the senior class has made donations.

Lesley Stahl, an award-winning correspondent for CBS News' 60 Minutes and author of Reporting Live, will deliver the keynote address at Colgate University's 187th commencement exercises on Sunday, May 18.

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

One of the country's most respected journalists, Stahl has been a correspondent on 60 Minutes since 1991. She also served in CBS News' Washington bureau and reported on Watergate, the Gulf War, and every political convention and election night since 1974.