(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.

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.